Controls Engineer 5
Date: Sep 9, 2025
Location: Decatur, AL, US, 35601
Company: United Launch Alliance
Requisition ID: 1263
Location: ULA - Decatur
Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements: 10%
At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.
Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!
Job Overview & Responsibilities
The Production Operations Control Engineer designs, develops, and implements control systems for automated industrial machinery and processes. They ensure that systems function efficiently, safely, and reliably, often working with PLCs, HMIs, and Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. They will guide maintenance and IT support to achieve Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), corporate IT security compliance and maintain configuration control. This position will support all Prod Ops locations (Decatur, AL and Pueblo, CO).
- Develop processes and procedures to govern and lead standardization and optimization for controls throughout Production Operations.
- Design control systems for new products and upgrades to existing ones, including developing control algorithms and software.
- Conduct system testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of control systems to ensure proper functionality.
- Create and maintain technical documentation, such as wiring diagrams, schematics, and operation manuals.
- Develop and maintain configuration management of controls backups plantwide.
- Ensure systems are designed and implemented in accordance with relevant safety and industry standards.
- Partner with IT Security on security compliance including DFARS requirements for government contracts.
- Provide training and support to other teams on the operation and maintenance of control systems.
- Evaluate existing processes and systems to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions.
- Camera System development and installation for future automation projects.
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
Minimum of 8 years of related work experience
Basic Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in Controls or Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related STEM field from an accredited college or university
- A strong understanding of control theory principles
- Proficiency in PLC programming
- Knowledge and experience with Siemens, Kuka/Fanuc, and/or Cognex Vision
- Experience with off line programming
- Experience with electrical schematics
- Experience with DFARS compliance
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective communication and teamwork skills across all disciplines
- Basic understanding of project management
Preferred Qualifications
What makes ULA different?
Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.
We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:
- 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
- Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible work environments
Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).
ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted.
Nearest Major Market: Decatur