The Two Roles at a Glance
Across both roles, ATSI works in the same core platforms — PLCs (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider) and SCADA/HMI (Ignition, FactoryTalk View, AVEVA) — over Modbus, Ethernet/IP, and related protocols. The two roles differ mainly in seniority and how much design leadership and mentorship responsibility you carry. Detailed descriptions, level breakdowns, and role-specific requirements follow the table. Benefits package also includes: 1 - paid stipend for qualified candidates for enlisting in our on-call/AH rotation program (~$560.00 per pay-period/Pre-Income Tax), & 2 - Annual Performance Bonuses (up to an additional 10% of salary). *** All candidates must adhere to the Security & Government Contract Requirements detailed below ***
Overview CSE (Mid-Level):
The Control Systems Engineer supports the Senior Controls Engineer in system design and leads all field-based implementation activities on industrial automation SCADA projects. Primary responsibilities include site commissioning, hardware and software testing, system troubleshooting, and post-deployment support such as preventative maintenance.
Beyond field execution, the CSE contributes to control system development as a hands-on technical resource. The role provides a structured pathway toward senior engineering positions.
CSE Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Senior Controls Engineer in the design and development of PLC, SCADA, and HMI solutions.
- Support system configuration including virtual machines, SCADA servers, and control networks.
- Conduct Functional Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) with internal teams and clients.
- Perform site commissioning — instrumentation checkout, loop testing, and startup support.
- Provide troubleshooting, maintenance, and technical support for deployed systems; perform updates, backups, and change management post-deployment.
- Configure and install virtual servers, clients, and network equipment per project specifications.
- Configure and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) using electrical ladder schematics.
- Interpret and apply electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control loop drawings in the field; document revisions and improvements.
- Ensure site safety compliance and adherence to startup protocols during field activities.
What Sets This Role Apart: The CSE sits between the hands-on field implementation work and the design-leading Senior Controls Engineer. You'll do real design and development work under the SCE while owning field execution end-to-end — making it the natural growth step toward senior engineering.
CSE Role-Specific Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3–6 years of experience in field deployment, PLC programming, and control system testing.
- Familiarity with SCADA platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk View, AVEVA) and PLCs (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider).
- Working knowledge of Modbus, Ethernet/IP, and Profibus communication protocols.
- Experience commissioning industrial systems including VFDs, instrumentation, and control panels.
- Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently in the field.
- Preferred: Water/Wastewater Treatment or Distribution Grade 1+, OSHA 30 and/or EM385-1.
Overview SCE (Senior-Level):
The Senior Controls Engineer leads the design, development, and implementation of advanced industrial automation SCADA systems and serves as the technical authority across all project phases — requirements analysis, control system architecture, engineering documentation, and site commissioning.
The SCE mentors junior engineers, leads engineering deliverables, ensures technical compliance, and engages directly with clients and stakeholders. This role drives innovation, maintains quality standards, and supports the full deployment and lifecycle of automated control systems.
SCE Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems across Rockwell, Siemens, and Schneider platforms.
- Develop and review technical documentation: Process Control Narratives (PCNs), System Commissioning Plans (SCPs), I/O lists, network architectures, and control panel layouts.
- Oversee and execute control system software development — advanced logic, interlocks, alarms, and sequencing.
- Oversee and conduct testing phases: Internal Quality Control (IQC), Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
- Lead on-site startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting for new installations and upgrades.
- Interface with clients, project managers, and cross-disciplinary teams to align deliverables with scope, budget, and timeline.
- Supervise and mentor Control Systems Engineers and Application Engineers, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
- Ensure designs meet industry standards, client specifications, and safety regulations; support change control and lifecycle maintenance.
- Drive continuous improvement in engineering workflows, templates, and design practices; coordinate weekly with project stakeholders.
What Sets This Role Apart: The SCE is the engineering department's technical authority and the most senior design role in this posting. It is design-and-leadership focused rather than field-execution focused, and it carries direct mentorship responsibility for CSEs and Application Engineers.
SCE Role-Specific Requirements:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 7–10+ years of progressive experience in control system design, programming, and commissioning.
- Expertise in PLC platforms — Rockwell (PlantPAx), Siemens TIA Portal, Schneider Unity Pro.
- Proficiency in SCADA platforms — Ignition, FactoryTalk View SE/ME, AVEVA/Wonderware.
- Strong knowledge of communication protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profibus).
- Demonstrated experience managing large-scale commissioning efforts and technical documentation control.
- Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills; ability to run multiple projects independently.
- Preferred: Water/Wastewater Grade 1+, OSHA 30 and/or EM385-1, current Rockwell PlantPAx.
Compensation Ranges
The ranges below are target base pay for each role and level. All roles in this posting are exempt and shown as annual salary. Final offers depend on experience, certifications, security clearance eligibility, and demonstrated platform expertise.
Role & Level Typical Experience Target Base Pay Range
Control Systems Engineer (CSE) — Exempt
CSE Level 1: 3 – 4 yrs $80,000 – $95,000
CSE Level 2: 4 – 5 yrs $92,000 – $108,000
CSE Level 3: 5 – 6 yrs $105,000 – $122,000
Senior Controls Engineer (SCE) — Exempt
SCE Level 1: 7 – 9 yrs $120,000 – $145,000
SCE Level 2 — Lead / Technical Authority 9 – 10+ yrs $140,000 – $165,000
How These Ranges Were Set
These figures are market-informed estimates for ATSI's Temecula, CA (Inland Empire / Riverside County) location, benchmarked against 2025–2026 California compensation data for controls, SCADA/automation, and engineering roles. As reference points, California control-systems and SCADA engineers averaged roughly $95,000–$135,000, and senior controls engineers roughly $113,000–$144,000 (top earners $140,000+). ATSI's ranges are positioned within these bands and stepped by level.
Ranges reflect base pay only and exclude on-call and travel premiums, per diem, bonuses, and benefits, which can add roughly 15–30% to total compensation. Treat these as planning estimates to validate against ATSI's internal pay bands and a current local salary survey before publishing or extending offers.
Requirements Common to All Roles - Regardless of role or level, every candidate must meet the following:
- Ability to pass a DoD background check and drug screening.
- Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record and no criminal record.
- Willingness to travel to client sites and support FAT/SAT, commissioning, service reviews, and technical meetings.
- Willingness to work on-call shifts as required.
- Security & Government Contract Requirements: This is an in-office position supporting critical infrastructure, industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA, and government-related projects. Candidates must: Be a U.S. citizen. Be legally authorized to work in the United States. Successfully pass a Department of Defense (DoD) background investigation and any required security screening. Be eligible to access military installations, federal facilities, and government information systems. Maintain compliance with all applicable federal contract and security requirements throughout employment.
- Commitment to ATSI's core values: Safety, Quality, Innovation, Integrity, and Collaboration.
Industries You'll Support
- Municipal Water & Wastewater — treatment, distribution, telemetry, pump control, and EPA-compliant regulatory reporting.
- Food & Beverage — sanitary design, CIP/SIP, batch processing, traceability, and MES/ERP integration (FDA/USDA/FSMA).
- Energy & Defense — power distribution, environmental, and secure control systems.
Why Join ATSI
- Clear growth paths. Every role in this posting is leveled, with structured cross-training toward senior engineering leadership.
- Real, mission-critical work. You'll commission and support systems that keep water flowing, food safe, and infrastructure secure.
- Work across the full lifecycle. From design through commissioning, support, and upgrades — not just one slice of the project.
- A collaborative, safety-first culture grounded in our core values.
ATSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
