Senior Controls Engineer
Salary + Package: Dependent on experience
Location: Texas, USA
Sector: AWP/MAWP
Position Purpose
The Senior Controls Engineer – Hydraulics & Electrical will be the technical authority for the integration of control systems that combine hydraulic, electrical, and electronic subsystems across the Aerial Work Platform (AWP) product range.
This role is responsible for machine‑level functional control, system logic, safety behaviour, component selection, control architecture, diagnostics, simulation, and validation of both hydraulic and electrical systems.
Responsibilities
Controls Engineering Leadership
Lead the development of integrated control strategies for hydraulic and electrical systems on boom and scissor AWP platforms.
Define machine control architectures covering sensors, actuators, controllers, CAN networks, logic functions, and safety systems.
Develop and validate control algorithms for proportional valves, motor drives, pumps, stabilising systems, load sensing, and operator interface electronics.
Ensure seamless interaction between hydraulic circuits, electrical components, and embedded software.
Hydraulic & Electrical System Integration
Develop models, schematics, block diagrams, and signal maps that link hydraulic behaviour with electronic control functionality.
Work with other engineers to define valve logic, flow control, pressure management, dynamic response, and stability‑related control strategies.
Work with software engineering to define sensor selection, network architectures, connector requirements, and communication protocols.
Ensure machine systems meet safety, performance, efficiency, and regulatory objectives.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related discipline.
Extensive experience with control systems for Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) or comparable off‑highway mobile machinery.
7+ years of engineering experience working with hydraulic and electrical system integration, embedded control, and machine‑level functionality.
Strong understanding of hydraulic proportional control, flow/pressure regulation, and electro‑hydraulic actuation.
Strong understanding of electrical systems including sensors, controllers, wiring, batteries, CANbus communication, and safety circuits.
Experience with global AWP, electrical, and hydraulic standards (ANSI, CSA, CE, ISO).
Strong diagnostic, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
Experience with Automation Studio, MATLAB or similar modelling tools for electro‑hydraulic simulation.
Background in prototype builds, commissioning, and control system validation.
Knowledge of DFM, DFA, and manufacturing processes.
Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within two weeks, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Please email your CV to info@alfa-executive.com quoting ref JA/ALFA/SCE