What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer position at Groe Advisors LLC?
About the Role
The Controls Engineer is responsible for the electrical design, systems integration, and troubleshooting of control systems for both custom and standard machines. This role focuses on designing the necessary communication and I/O infrastructure—often utilizing ladder logic—to serve as the vital bridge between the CNC machine, robot, and other third-party integrated systems. The ideal candidate will be a primary, hands-on resource for resolving electrical and software issues during system build, debug, and installation, and will support validation efforts both in-house and at customer facilities.
This role focuses on designing the necessary communication and I/O infrastructure—often utilizing ladder logic—to serve as the vital bridge between the CNC machine, robot, and other third-party integrated systems.
Responsibilities
- Design and draft complete electrical control schematics for custom automation cells and standard machinery using CAD software, ensuring compliance with relevant electrical codes and standards.
- Select, specify, and configure necessary electrical hardware components, including safety circuits, HMIs, sensors, and actuators.
- Develop, program, and manage the communication logic/ladder logic within the machine controller to exchange critical process signals and data with integrated systems (e.g., robotic cells, measurement devices).
- Serve as the primary hands-on troubleshooter for electrical wiring, component, and software-related issues for both standard products and custom cells during the build and debug phases.
- Support in-house system validation and actively assist with the commissioning and start-up of integrated systems at customer facilities.
- Travel to customer sites to support commissioning, troubleshooting, and service work as required.
- Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers, build technicians, machinists, and external robot programmers to ensure seamless system integration and functionality.
- Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including wiring diagrams, component specifications, and control logic descriptions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
Required Skills
- Experience programming industrial control logic (e.g., ladder logic), specifically for I/O management and high-level machine-to-system communication.
- Experience with electrical schematic design/drafting (CAD), and understanding of industrial electrical standards (i.e. NFPA 79).
- Strong working knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet) to facilitate data exchange with third-party systems like FANUC robots.
- Exceptional hands-on electrical troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve complex hardware failures, wiring faults, and software integration problems quickly.
- Ability to read, write, interpret, and modify detailed engineering drawings and documentation.
Travel
- Travel Requirement: 1 week a month of domestic travel (for commissioning work) is standard for this role (fully paid for).
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.