What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer position at Top Gun Staffing, Inc?
Position Overview
A leading manufacturer is seeking a Controls Engineer to support and enhance automated manufacturing systems within a high-volume production environment. This position will be responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of control systems used throughout the facility. The successful candidate will play a key role in improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, supporting new automation initiatives, and driving continuous improvement efforts across manufacturing operations.
This role offers the opportunity to work with advanced automation technologies while collaborating closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to improve process performance and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, program, modify, and commission PLC-based control systems for manufacturing equipment and automated processes.
- Design and maintain HMI applications to support equipment operation, diagnostics, and process monitoring.
- Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues involving PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, sensors, and field devices.
- Support startup, testing, validation, and commissioning of new equipment and automation projects.
- Analyze equipment performance and implement control system improvements to increase reliability, throughput, and overall efficiency.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify and execute process optimization opportunities.
- Assist in diagnosing and resolving electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automation-related equipment issues.
- Maintain documentation for control systems, programs, network architecture, and equipment modifications.
- Evaluate emerging automation technologies and recommend improvements that support operational goals.
- Provide technical support during critical production situations, including occasional off-hours remote troubleshooting when necessary.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 3–5 years of experience supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience with:
- PLC programming and troubleshooting
- HMI development and maintenance
- Industrial networking and communication protocols
- Field instrumentation and automation devices
- Electrical troubleshooting and controls systems
Preferred
- Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment in an automotive or high-volume production environment.
- Knowledge of industrial communication networks and control system integration.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Skills & Competencies
- PLC Programming & Debugging
- HMI Development
- Industrial Automation Systems
- Electrical Controls Troubleshooting
- Industrial Networks & Communications
- Root Cause Analysis
- Process Optimization
- Equipment Reliability Improvement
- Project Implementation & Commissioning
- Continuous Improvement Methodologies
This position is ideal for a controls professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, improving manufacturing performance, and contributing to the advancement of automated production technologies.