VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Duties & Responsibilities:
VIAVI Solutions manufactures advanced optical thin-film and pigment coating products across a 24/7 production environment in Santa Rosa, CA, with additional sites in China and Arizona. This Controls Engineer position balances two priorities: keeping automation running in an active manufacturing operation, and leading new capital project work — machine installations, system upgrades, and next-generation automation platforms. For the right candidate, this role has a clear path into engineering leadership and management of VIAVI's Automation Controls group.
⚙ Manufacturing Support
Resolve PLC/HMI faults rapidly to restore production
Support planned maintenance windows and change deployments
Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions
Improve control logic, alarming, and system reliability
Partner closely with maintenance and operations teams
🔧 New Capital Projects
Own automation scope on new machine installations
Define PLC/HMI/network architecture for new systems
Manage vendors, FAT/SAT, and project documentation
Commission and validate systems into Operations
Design, develop, and maintain PLC and HMI systems for manufacturing equipment
Commission new automation hardware and software; integrate with existing infrastructure
Configure and commission motor drives, motion systems, and closed-loop control systems
Design and administer SQL databases; manage industrial networks (Profibus, Ethernet/IP, OPC)
Maintain source control, documentation, and change records for all control system work
Lead or contribute to capital project scoping, scheduling, and execution
Mentor junior engineers; collaborate across Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams
Demonstrate communication and leadership skills aligned with future management growth
Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, or equivalent experience
5+ years in industrial controls/automation in a manufacturing environment
PLC programming: Siemens Step 7 / TIA Portal or Mitsubishi GX Developer
Experience supporting automation in 24/7 or continuous production environments
Programming with Visual Studio, C#
End-to-end ownership of capital project automation scope
HMI development, industrial networking, SQL databases, source code management
Strong troubleshooting skills; ability to read electrical schematics and P&IDs
Excellent communication skills; occasional international travel required
Preferred Skills
Allen-Bradley / Rockwell or Honeywell PLC platforms
LabVIEW, Wonderware System Platform, Oracle, Linux, Windows administration
Vision systems, vacuum coating processes, optics knowledge
Prior team-lead experience
Leadership & Management Growth Path — High performers will have the opportunity to eventually lead the Controls team technically and move into formal management of VIAVI's Automation Controls Engineering group. Growth is supported through stretch assignments, leadership visibility, and formal development planning.
If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.
VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.
Job Posting Pay Range:
134,400
to
249,600
Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.
VIAVI Solutions (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global leader in both network and service enablement and optical security performance products and solutions. Our technologies contribute to the success of a wide range of customers – from the world’s largest mobile operators and governmental entities to enterprise network and application providers to contractors laying the fiber and building the towers that keep us connected.
