What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer position at Helion?
Controls Engineer
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Build the Machines That Build the Industry.
We're seeking a controls engineer to join an engineering team that designs and supports highly customized industrial machinery used in manufacturing environments around the world. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex automation challenges, working directly with machinery, and expanding their controls expertise in a collaborative environment.
If you're looking for a role where you'll own problems from concept through commissioning—not simply support repetitive production equipment—this position offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact.
What You'll Do
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and controls issues on custom industrial machinery.
- Develop, modify, and optimize PLC programs to improve machine performance and reliability.
- Support machine startups, commissioning activities, and control system enhancements.
- Diagnose issues involving PLCs, HMIs, drives, motors, sensors, and other industrial control devices.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings.
- Partner with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and service teams to develop automation solutions.
- Participate in continuous improvement efforts that increase machine performance, quality, and reliability.
- Learn proprietary equipment and become a technical resource within the engineering team.
What We're Looking For
- 5 years of Controls Engineering experience in a manufacturing, automation, OEM, or industrial machinery environment.
- Strong understanding of electrical theory and industrial control fundamentals.
- Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-controlled machinery.
- Ability to diagnose electrical and automation issues and determine effective solutions.
- Experience working with machine controls, industrial automation, and custom equipment.
- Comfortable reading electrical schematics and understanding machine sequencing.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a hands-on approach.
- Self-motivated, curious, and eager to continue developing technical expertise.
Preferred Experience
- Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLC programming.
- HMI development and modification.
- VFDs, servo systems, and industrial networking.
- Machine commissioning and startup.
- Custom machinery or OEM manufacturing environments.
Why This Opportunity?
- Work on highly engineered custom machinery rather than repetitive production support.
- Join a collaborative engineering team that values technical growth.
- Opportunity to expand your controls expertise while working on complex automation systems.
- Long-term project with the potential for continued employment based on performance.
Salary : $80 - $90