Senior Controls Engineer
Howmet Aerospace · Niles, OH
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Controls
- Travel
- 10%
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 22 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior controls role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Niles, OH. ‘Green Card Holder’), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- OEE, Root cause, PLC, Robotics, Automation, EHS / safety
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage · about 10% travel
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Ohio: typical posted base $100k–$148k.
Median of the low and high ends of 9 live postings that list pay, out of 33 controls engineer openings in Ohio, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Ohio plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 32 other live controls postings in Ohio.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $100k–$148k, from 9 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 79%
- ✓ PLC 76%
- ✓ Robotics 64%
- ✓ Team leadership 33%
- ✓ Root cause 27%
- AutoCAD 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for OEE, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Howmet Aerospace
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- The posting says about 10% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Howmet Aerospace in Niles
2 other open roles at this site.
- Production Supervisor · Production · Supervisor
- Quality Engineer · Quality
Senior Controls Engineer at Howmet Aerospace in other locations
Howmet Aerospace lists this title in 2 places. Pick the plant you can get to.
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Automation Ownership: Serve as the sole authority for plant control networks (Level 0–2), PLC/SCADA programming, and process control IT policies.
- ◆Troubleshooting & Support: Diagnose complex system faults, perform root cause analyses, and implement rapid repair solutions to maximize OEE.
- ◆System Integrity: Maintain master backups and rigorous change-management records for all automation programs and hardware configurations.
- ◆Capital Projects: Lead engineering projects from inception to completion, managing scopes, RFAs, technical specs, vendor quotes, timelines, and budgets. \
- ◆Continuous Improvement: Evaluate new technologies and implement process upgrades to eliminate waste, improve safety, and reduce downtime.
- ◆Safety & Compliance: Enforce company, state, and federal EHS policies, including authorizing emergency equipment shutdowns when necessary.
- ◆Mentorship: Train and mentor junior engineers, maintenance supervisors, and craft technicians on automated systems.
- ◆Performing other duties as assigned.
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology.
- ✓Minimum five (5) years of experience in programming and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, and Databases.
- ✓Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of control and automation programs, including robotics and automation in industrial manufacturing.
- ✓This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. ‘Green Card Holder’), Political Asylee, or Refugee
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Experience with Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
- ✓Experience with ABB Robots, Robot Studio and vision systems a plus.
- ✓Experience with Ignition, SCADA
- ✓Familiarity with programming VB.Net, Python, Java, Java Script, Microsoft SQL Server, Windows Administration, and Network Management.
- ✓Device integration experience via serial, TCP/IP, OPC-UA and proprietary protocols.
- ✓Experience working within a heavy manufacturing environment.
- ✓The ability to effectively communicate (verbally and written) and delegate while maintaining forward motion on key deliverables.
- ✓A high degree of interpersonal skills to motivate and influence others, including those not under their direct supervision.
- ✓Demonstrated abilities of problem solving, systems thinking, project management, and team building.
Working Conditions
This position involves moderate exposure to risk of accident and requires following basic safety precautions. Work is normally performed in an interior work environment, while regularly accessing plant equipment for assessment. While not exposed to hazardous materials, this position requires wearing full PPE to protect from mobile equipment and hot materials when on the shop floor.
This position requires moderate physical activity, such as all motions necessary to inspect production equipment in and out of confined spaces.
This position also requires a willingness to maintain a flexible work schedule and travel (typically 10% or less) both domestically and internationally, as requested.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
The Senior Controls Engineer owns the facility's automation control systems to maximize reliability, safety, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). This role balances advanced hands-on troubleshooting of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and robotic systems with end-to-end capital project management. The incumbent collaborates across all business functions and external vendors to deliver engineering solutions with minimal production downtime.
Core
Our Story
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report . Follow: LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube .
