What are the responsibilities and job description for the Team Leader - Controls Engineering (incl. Beckhoff, Kuka AMR) position at PIA Automation?
Team Leader – Controls Engineering m/f/d - PIA Group
Company Description PIA Automation, part of the global PIA Group, focuses on creating efficiency and higher performance through smart, creative, and AI-driven automation solutions. With decades of experience, advanced engineering capabilities, and more than 8,800 completed projects, PIA is recognized as one of the world’s leading automation specialists. Approximately 1,800 team members at 13 locations across Europe, North America, and Asia support customers in Mobility, Energy Storage, Medical, Commercial, and Embodied AI & Humanoid Robotics. PIA’s global service portfolio and proprietary Industry 4.0 solutions provide customers with strong advantages in system operation, digitalization, and production networking. The organization emphasizes flexibility, reliability, and sustainability in every automation solution it delivers.
Role Description This is a full-time, on-site role based in Evansville, Indiana, focused on machine control software, including products from Allen-Bradley and specific interests in Beckhoff and Kuka AMR. The role involves designing, programming, and commissioning control software for automated production systems, ensuring reliable integration of PLCs, motion control, robotics, and safety components. Daily responsibilities include configuring hardware and software interfaces, developing and testing control logic, troubleshooting issues during installation and startup, and optimizing system performance. The position also includes collaborating with mechanical and electrical engineering teams, interpreting technical specifications, preparing documentation, and supporting customers during acceptance testing and ongoing operation. The individual in this role will contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and help implement Industry 4.0 and AI-driven features within PIA Automation solutions. Travel will be required from time-to-time for support on-premise at customer locations.
Qualifications
- Strong proficiency in PLC and machine control programming (e.g., Beckhoff TwinCAT, other IEC 61131-3 environments) and experience integrating robotics such as Kuka AMR.
- Experience with industrial automation systems, including motion control, fieldbus/industrial Ethernet networks (e.g., EtherCAT, Profinet), and safety-related control functions.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics, system layouts, and technical specifications, and translate them into functional control software.
- Hands-on experience with commissioning automated equipment, system troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and performance optimization in a production environment.
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts, data acquisition, and connectivity between control systems and higher-level IT/OT systems (e.g., SCADA, MES, cloud platforms).
- Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in cross-functional teams and interact directly with customers and service personnel.
- Relevant technical education such as a degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Technology, Computer Engineering, or a comparable field, or equivalent practical experience.