What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer II position at Spectrum Plastics Group?
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Controls Engineer is responsible for implementing and commissioning controls solutions for internal machine builds and automation projects based on established system concepts and architectures. This role focuses on turning defined electrical and automation designs into functional, reliable systems through robot programming, PLC / HMI development, and integration of control technologies.
The Controls Engineer works from line diagrams, control concepts, and system requirements provided by technical leadership, and is accountable for developing the detailed control logic, device integration, and validation needed to make those designs real on the factory floor. This includes evaluating and selecting appropriate control technologies to achieve required functions and integrating them into the defined control scheme.
Primary emphasis is on robot programming, PLC / HMI implementation, and system-level debugging during build and commissioning. This role collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to ensure controls implementations meet functional, safety, and operational expectations while aligning with site standards and project timelines.
Mentorship is delivered through hands-on execution, debugging, and commissioning activities, with less-experienced team members learning alongside active system development and real-world problem solving.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and implement robot, PLC, and HMI programs based on defined system concepts and requirements
- Integrate control technologies and field devices into complete automation systems
- Debug and commission systems during build, integration, and startup
- Support selection and application of control hardware and technologies
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve integration and performance issues
- Support FAT, SAT, and production ramp activities
- Ensure controls implementations align with site standards and safety requirements
- Provide hands-on technical guidance to other team members
- Contribute lessons learned to improve future controls implementations
Qualifications:
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field
- Equivalent demonstrated experience may be considered in lieu of degree
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum 5 years hands-on experience developing and commissioning industrial automation systems.
- Demonstrated experience programming and commissioning robotic automation systems.
- Demonstrated experience developing and deploying PLC-based control systems integrated with HMI interfaces.
- Experience translating functional requirements or control concepts into structured, maintainable control logic.
- Proven system-level troubleshooting experience across robot, PLC, HMI, and integrated devices.
- Experience contributing to multiple automation projects concurrently within a structured engineering environment.
- Demonstrated ability to scope and estimate controls development effort for programming, integration, and commissioning activities.
- Demonstrated experience providing technical guidance and reviewing the work of other engineers as part of delivering automation systems.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with robotic platforms such as Universal Robots or ABB.
- Experience with PLC platforms such as Omron, Rockwell, or IDEC.
- Experience integrating machine vision systems into production automation environments.
- Experience with vision platforms such as Keyence, Teledyne, Cognex, or similar.
- Experience developing automation-related software tools using an object-oriented language such as C#, C , or Python.
- Experience with Industry 4.0 initiatives, including integration of automation systems with factory data systems, production databases, MES platforms, or reporting tools.
- Experience working in custom machine-build or project-based automation environments.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Primarily performed in a combination of office and manufacturing plant floor environments.
- Role requires hands-on interaction with automated equipment during build, integration, and commissioning activities.
- Regular work within machine cells and equipment enclosures during troubleshooting and startup.
- May require standing for extended periods, accessing equipment at floor level or elevated positions, and moving within machine framing as part of system integration activities.
- Occasional lifting of components or tools up to 35 lbs.