What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer position at ALKU?
Controls Engineer
Background:
The candidate will focus on creating tailored automation solutions for high-temperature processes, meeting stringent client requirements in industries such as aerospace, semiconductor, and materials science.
The Controls Engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge furnace systems while adhering to project timelines and industry standards.
- Design, program, and integrate hardware/software control systems for high-temperature vacuum furnaces, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and embedded controllers to manage temperature, pressure, and vacuum parameters.
- Develop control logic (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, C/C ) and data-logging functions, integrating thermocouples, pressure sensors, vacuum pumps, gas-delivery systems, and other specialized components.
- Create industrial control panels, schematics, layouts, and BOMs to NFPA-79 and UL 508 standards using AutoCAD Electrical.
- Conduct full system testing, commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting during design, build, and field deployment to ensure performance, reliability, and safety compliance.
- Optimize control algorithms, thermal profiles, and process stability for improved furnace performance and product quality.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical engineers, process specialists, and project managers to align controls with furnace design and customer requirements.
- Prepare technical documentation including test reports, manuals, and maintenance procedures; provide on-site and remote customer training and support.
- Contribute to R&D initiatives for next-generation control solutions and advanced furnace technologies.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation, or Control Systems Engineering (or related).
- 5 years of controls engineering experience, ideally with thermal systems, vacuum equipment, or OEM manufacturing.
- Proficient with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Eurotherm) and HMI/SCADA tools (FactoryTalk, WinCC, Wonderware).
- Knowledge of industrial protocols (Modbus, EtherNet/IP, ProfiNet) and data acquisition systems.
- Strong understanding of high-temperature process control, vacuum technology, and gas management systems (highly preferred).