Controls/Automation Engineer

Controls & Automation Engineer Position Overview

A growing manufacturer of engineered industrial equipment is seeking a Controls & Automation Engineer to support customers, production operations, and service teams with automation and controls-related initiatives. This role serves as a key technical contributor responsible for supporting custom control systems, ensuring alignment between control packages and mechanical designs, and helping drive continuous product improvement through customer and field feedback.

The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience with industrial control systems, equipment control panels, PLCs, HMIs, electrical schematics, and troubleshooting. This individual will play a critical role in diagnosing equipment issues, supporting manufacturing and field operations, and providing practical, solution-oriented guidance to customers and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with sales, engineering, production, and technical support teams to address customer and operational needs.
• Perform electrical and controls system diagnostics for customer applications and production equipment.
• Analyze and troubleshoot PLC programs, including digital and analog I/O systems.
• Support the setup, configuration, and optimization of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
• Research, evaluate, and recommend solutions for field service and controls-related issues.
• Navigate and support Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems and operator interfaces.
• Continuously develop expertise in equipment, control hardware, and field devices to effectively diagnose and resolve issues.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to enhance existing products and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in ensuring engineered-to-order control systems accurately reflect application and equipment requirements.
• Provide detailed, step-by-step troubleshooting guidance to customers, service personnel, and production teams.
  
  

This description outlines the general responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.

Key Internal & External Interfaces

This Position Will Regularly Interact With

• Customers and end users
• Sales and technical support teams
• Engineering and product development personnel
• Manufacturing and production teams
• Consultants and contractors
• Regulatory and compliance organizations
• Vendors and suppliers
• Industry associations and professional networks
  
  

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with 0-2 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or PLC-based systems; OR
• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent training in Automation, Controls, Electrical Technology, or PLC Programming with 2-5 years of hands-on automation experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of industrial electrical schematics and control panel layouts.
• Knowledge of automation systems and basic control theory.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and controls-related issues in industrial environments.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and results-oriented mindset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Visio and Project.
  
  

Preferred

• PLC programming experience.
• Experience with industrial networking technologies.
• Familiarity with UL 508A control panel standards.
• Knowledge of IEC and CE electrical standards.
• Experience designing or supporting automation systems involving:
• Pneumatic and electromechanical devices
• Motor controls and VFD applications
• Distributed control systems and industrial communications
• Industrial networking protocols
• Process monitoring and control systems
  

Travel

• Limited travel may be required, up to approximately 15%.
  
  

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Moderate periods of sitting and computer work.
  
  

Cognitive & Communication Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Ability to evaluate technical issues, analyze information, and recommend solutions.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment and software tools.
  
  

Pace & Productivity

• Ability to adapt and respond effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage changing priorities.
  
  

Why Join Us? Work on Real-World Automation Challenges

Apply your technical expertise to solve complex industrial automation and controls challenges that directly impact customers and operations.

Expand Your Technical Skill Set

Gain exposure to a broad range of technologies including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, industrial networking, electrical controls, system integration, and troubleshooting.

Collaborative Engineering Environment

Work alongside experienced engineers, technical specialists, and manufacturing professionals who value teamwork, innovation, and continuous learning.

Opportunity to Influence Product Development

Your feedback and field experience will help shape future product enhancements and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Career Growth and Development

Build valuable experience across engineering, manufacturing, customer support, and product development while advancing your career in industrial automation.

Meaningful Customer Impact

See the direct results of your work by helping customers improve equipment performance, reliability, and operational success.

Stable Industry with Long-Term Opportunity

Join an organization that combines technical innovation with the stability of a well-established industrial manufacturing environment.

• If you are passionate about automation, problem-solving, and delivering technical solutions that make a measurable difference, we encourage you to apply. Please send all resumes to sabrina.pike@gogpac.com. Only applicatons with a resume will be considered.
  
  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.