Controls Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, commissioning, and optimization of industrial automation systems within a manufacturing environment. This individual will serve as a technical expert for PLCs, HMIs, motion control systems, robotics, industrial networks, and automated production equipment.

The ideal candidate will possess strong troubleshooting skills, hands-on commissioning experience, and the ability to support automation projects from concept through implementation. This role will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Production teams to improve equipment performance, reliability, and overall manufacturing efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Controls & Automation

• Design, develop, and implement industrial control systems for manufacturing equipment and automated processes.
• Program, troubleshoot, and modify PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems.
• Support Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Beckhoff, or other PLC platforms.
• Develop machine control logic, safety systems, and automation solutions to improve equipment performance.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, DeviceNet, and EtherCAT.

Project Engineering

• Lead automation projects from concept through startup and production support.
• Develop control system architectures, electrical designs, and technical specifications.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, I/O lists, and system documentation.
• Coordinate equipment installations, upgrades, and capital improvement projects.

Commissioning & Troubleshooting

• Perform startup, commissioning, testing, and validation of automation systems.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical, controls, robotics, and automation issues.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Support maintenance teams with advanced troubleshooting and technical training.

Continuous Improvement

• Improve machine uptime, reliability, throughput, and process efficiency.
• Analyze production data and equipment performance metrics.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and reliability initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for automation enhancements and cost reduction.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field.
• 3 years of Controls Engineering experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience programming PLC systems from scratch.
• Strong troubleshooting experience with industrial automation systems.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics and control drawings.
• Experience with HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, sensors, and industrial controls.

Preferred

• Allen-Bradley ControlLogix / CompactLogix
• Siemens TIA Portal / Step 7
• Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, or Yaskawa robotics
• SCADA systems (Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware)
• Motion control and servo applications
• Machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence)
• AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN
• Packaging, material handling, automotive, plastics, food processing, or machine-building experience

Technical Skills

• PLC Programming
• HMI Development
• Motion Control
• Robotics Integration
• Machine Vision Systems
• Industrial Networking
• Servo Drives & VFDs
• Electrical Design
• Automation Troubleshooting
• Root Cause Analysis
• Project Management
• Commissioning & Startup Support

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Professional development opportunities
• Career advancement potential
• Exposure to advanced automation technologies