What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer - Deckorators (Buffalo, NY) position at UFP Industries, Inc?
Deckorators, a brand of UFP Industries, is a leader in composite decking, railing, and outdoor living products. Our Buffalo, New York plant is the newest and flagship location utilizing our proven and growing Surestone technology. This state-of-the-art extrusion and polymer manufacturing facility will serve as a center of excellence for innovation, automation, and operational performance across our network.
Job SummaryThe Controls Engineer will lead automation and control system development at the Buffalo facility, driving plant performance through SCADA, PLC/HMI programming, system integration, and continuous improvement. This role supports the startup and growth of the flagship operation by ensuring high-reliability automation, process visibility, and advanced control capabilities. The ideal candidate has strong industrial controls experience, a passion for hands-on problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, IT, production, and operations.
Key Responsibilities* Design, program, and implement SCADA, PLC, and HMI systems to support automated manufacturing
* Troubleshoot and resolve operational technology issues involving SCADA, IIoT, MES, controls, and networks
* Conduct preventive maintenance, software updates, and optimization of control systems
* Lead commissioning and testing of automation systems during plant startup and expansion
* Partner with engineering, IT, production, and quality to improve controls reliability and process efficiency
* Plan and execute system upgrades, pilots, and proofs-of-concept for new technologies
* Train maintenance and operations teams on system functionality and safe controls practices
* Support data acquisition, performance monitoring, and integration to improve OEE and decision-making
* Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial Controls, or Mechatronics Engineering
* 10 years of experience in industrial automation, SCADA, and PLC-based controls
* Proficient in Ignition 8.1 development and deployment (preferred)
* Experience with PLC systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Rockwell platforms
* Understanding of MES, IIoT, industrial networking, and machine integration
* Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills in a manufacturing environment
* Excellent communication skills - able to simplify technical concepts for all users
* Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced startup environment with changing priorities
* Based full-time at the Buffalo flagship facility
* Travel up to 40%for installations, troubleshooting, and end-user support
* Opportunity to help shape automation standards and digital transformation across Deckorators
Compensation & Benefit Information
Salary Pay Range:$85,000-$120,000K annually dependent on experience*
*pay range may be adjusted depending on cost of living
Bonus/Incentive Pay:
Annual performance bonus opportunity based on Company and specific business unit ROI and PBOP achievement criteria and individual job responsibility and performance.
Benefits currently offered to our employees:
Medical insurance
Health savings account with company contribution
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Basic and voluntary life insurance
Disability insurance
401(k) plan with company match
Paid vacation and holidays
Stock purchase program with employee discount
Educational reimbursement
Wellness programs and challenges
Other supplemental benefits
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Universal Forest Products and its subsidiaries and affiliates are equal opportunity employers. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
Salary : $85,000 - $120,000