What are the responsibilities and job description for the Control System Engineer position at Logical Control Systems?
Control Systems Engineer (Industrial Automation)Position Summary
We are seeking a Control Systems Engineer with a strong foundation in electrical engineering and hands-on experience in industrial automation systems. This role is responsible for the design, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting of PLC-based control systems, industrial networks, and associated instrumentation across manufacturing, water/wastewater, or process environments.
The ideal candidate combines solid engineering fundamentals with practical field experience in diagnosing real-world issues such as communication faults, drive behavior, and system integration challenges.
Key ResponsibilitiesControl System Design & Implementation- Design and develop control systems using PLC platforms such as:
- Rockwell Automation (ControlLogix, CompactLogix)
- AutomationDirect Productivity series
- Develop I/O layouts, panel designs, and electrical schematics
- Size and specify components (power supplies, transformers, breakers, relays, etc.)
- Ensure compliance with NEC, UL, and industry standards
- Develop PLC programs using:
- Ladder Logic
- Structured Text
- Function Block (e.g., PIDE)
- Configure and troubleshoot:
- EtherNet/IP communications (explicit/implicit messaging)
- Modbus TCP/RTU devices
- Integrate third-party devices (VFDs, flow meters, UPS systems, instrumentation)
- Configure HMIs and SCADA systems (e.g., Ignition)
- Diagnose and resolve issues such as:
- PLC I/O faults and module dropouts
- Industrial network communication errors (e.g., “Invalid Originator to Target”)
- VFD faults and abnormal output conditions
- Power quality and grounding issues
- Perform system startup, loop checks, and functional testing
- Support field technicians and operators during commissioning
- Configure and maintain industrial networks including:
- Managed switches and routers (e.g., VLANs, NAT, VPNs)
- Remote access solutions (OpenVPN, secure tunneling)
- Troubleshoot network reliability issues in control environments
- Develop SCADA applications and reporting tools using platforms like:
- Inductive Automation Ignition
- Create tag structures, expressions, and reporting logic
- Implement data logging, alarms, and daily/shift reporting (e.g., flow totals, runtime)
- Create and maintain:
- Control narratives
- I/O lists
- Network architecture diagrams
- As-built documentation
- Provide technical support and training to operators and maintenance staff
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field
- 3 years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering
- Strong understanding of:
- AC/DC circuits and control power systems (e.g., 24VDC, 120VAC)
- Motor control and VFD operation
- Industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus)
- Experience with:
- Rockwell Studio 5000 / RSLogix
- Ignition SCADA platform
- Industrial instrumentation (flow meters, level sensors, pressure transmitters)
- Familiarity with:
- NEC code for control panels and transformer sizing
- Hazardous location classifications (e.g., Class I Div 2)
- Experience in water/wastewater, oil & gas, or manufacturing environments
- Networking knowledge (routing, NAT, VPN configuration)
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs
- Hands-on commissioning experience
- Clear technical communication (written and verbal)
- Ability to work independently in field environments
- Combination of office engineering work and field work
- Travel to job sites for commissioning and troubleshooting (as required)
- Occasional on-call or off-hours support during startup phases
- Troubleshooting EtherNet/IP communication between PLCs and VFDs
- Designing a control panel with proper transformer sizing and protection
- Diagnosing abnormal VFD output voltages and grounding issues
- Implementing Ignition reports for daily flow totals and system performance
- Setting up secure remote access to PLC systems via VPN-enabled routers