Controls Design Engineer

Position Summary:

We are an established Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) focused on designing and building custom process and material handling systems for clients in the pharmaceutical, food & beverage, chemical, and cosmetics sectors. We are currently looking for an experienced Controls Engineer to join our team.

This individual will play a critical role in the design, development, and support of automation systems for our equipment. The ideal candidate brings strong experience building industrial control systems from the ground up, with deep expertise in AutoCAD Electrical and Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) platforms, including PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs. A comprehensive understanding of the full controls lifecycle, from initial design through commissioning and customer handoff, is essential.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Create and design industrial control systems using AutoCAD Electrical, including control panel layouts, wiring schematics, and I/O drawings.
• Develop, test, and commission control programs for Allen-Bradley PLCs (CompactLogix, ControlLogix, Micro800), HMIs (FactoryTalk View SE/ME, PanelView 800), and PowerFlex VFDs.
• Take ownership of the controls scope for machine builds, guiding projects from concept and design through FAT, installation, and SAT.
• Produce and maintain detailed Software Design Specifications (SDS) outlining system functionality, operational sequences, architecture, and communication methods.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including mechanical engineering, panel fabrication, and project management to ensure systems meet customer expectations.
• Diagnose issues and refine control systems to improve performance, reliability, and safety.
• Maintain accurate documentation, backups, and version control for all control system assets.
• Support customer teams through training and post-installation assistance.
• Contribute to the development of internal standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage multiple active projects simultaneously, balancing priorities and deadlines.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field preferred (extensive hands-on experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
• Minimum of 5 years in controls or automation engineering, with demonstrated ownership of full project lifecycles.
• Proven ability to design and implement complete control systems from initial concept through final commissioning.
• Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical for panel and wiring design.
• Extensive experience with Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley platforms (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs).
• Familiarity with SCADA systems, virtualization, Windows Server environments, industrial networking, and data acquisition/reporting tools is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex systems effectively.
• Clear communication skills and attention to detail in documentation.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for installations and customer support across North America and Puerto Rico.
• ***With the exception of TN Visas, we are unable to provide sponsorship at this time. ***

Preferred / Additional Experience:

• Experience with machine safety systems and safety PLCs (e.g., GuardLogix, risk assessments).
• Knowledge of electrical standards such as UL, NFPA, and CE.
• Exposure to other automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, ABB, Schneider Electric).
• Experience working with servo motion control systems.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, and OPC UA.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• A fast-paced, engaging work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• A collaborative, team-oriented culture focused on innovation.
• Exposure to a wide range of custom automation projects.

Position Details:

• Employment Type: Full-time
• Work Environment: Casual, hybrid schedule (minimum of three days per week onsite). Due to in-house manufacturing, regular on-site presence is required.