What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer II position at HSM?
If you’re energized by leading change, passionate about precision, and skilled at aligning people, systems, and customers—you’ll thrive here.
About Us
HSM Company History | HSM HEART Company Values | Who is HSM to our customers?
Founded in 1944, HSM is a third generation, privately held company with a rich history of innovation and a commitment to our people. With 25 locations across the U.S. and corporate headquarters in Hickory, NC and Huntersville, NC, we specialize in manufacturing components for furniture, bedding, transportation, packaging, automotive, and healthcare industries. Our expertise also includes designing and building automated production machinery. HSM products from sofa springs to swimming pool noodles and bus seats, touch everyday life in countless ways.
At HSM, our success is built on our people. We foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and shared success. If you’re looking for a meaningful place to grow and make an impact, we want to hear from you!
What You Will Do
- System Design & Architecture: Create scalable electrical and automation systems tailored to HSM’s production environments.
- Programming & Integration: Develop and deploy PLC and HMI code (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), configure drives, safety circuits, and robotic systems.
- Industrial Networks: Implement and maintain reliable communication through EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, and MQTT.
- Troubleshooting & Optimization: Lead root cause analysis for control failures and drive machine uptime improvements.
- SCADA/MES Connectivity: Integrate equipment data with Ignition, FactoryTalk, and other visualization tools to support OEE and traceability initiatives.
- Documentation & Compliance: Maintain system documentation, support IATF 16949 and OSHA compliance, and mentor junior engineers.
- Project Leadership: Manage small to mid-sized automation projects, coordinate with vendors, and provide technical leadership across teams.
What You Bring
- Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation, or Controls Engineering.
- 3-6 years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.
- Proficient with PLC/HMI programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and drive systems.
- Background in foam, automotive, furniture, or related manufacturing preferred.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, IATF 16949, and VDA 6.3 standards is a plus,
- Technical & Interpersonal Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of automation systems, VFDs, safety circuits, and SCADA/Ignition.
- Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
- Proven ability to lead projects and collaborate across teams.
- Comfortable working with vendors and presenting solutions to leadership.
Travel Requirements
- Up to 25%, primarily to support equipment commissioning, troubleshooting, and audits across TSM sites.
Why Join Us
- Health & Wellness: Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including an innovative global healthcare option for qualified participants.
- Retire: 401(k) with company match, fully vested from day one.
- Paid Time Off: Competitive PTO: 3 Weeks of Vacation 9 company paid holidays.
- On-Site Medical Clinics: Free for you and covered dependents.
- Teladoc: 24/7 access with no copay.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance and career growth opportunities.
- Discounts: Enjoy discounts with HSM partners, including Dollywood Parks & Resort, Verizon Wireless, and more.
EEOC
At HSM, we believe that our diversity creates a productive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectionate or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
