Controls Engineer

Controls & Automation Integrator (Onsite)

The Controls & Automation Integrator will support the commissioning, startup, and optimization of advanced automation equipment at a manufacturing facility in Asheville, NC, with additional work in Holland, MI as needed. This highly visible, customer-facing role serves as the primary onsite technical liaison between the engineering team and the customer, ensuring the successful deployment and performance of new automation systems. The position requires strong expertise in controls and robotics, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while bringing new equipment online and resolving complex technical issues.

• Lead onsite commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and integration of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact between the customer and engineering teams, ensuring clear and consistent communication.
• Participate in daily issue-review meetings and clearly communicate project status, risks, and resolutions.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLC systems to support automation equipment functionality.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot FANUC robotic cells, including integration with broader automation systems.
• Support system validation, testing, and performance optimization to ensure equipment meets customer specifications and production requirements.
• Review electrical, controls, and automation designs to identify potential issues and drive resolutions during installation and startup.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including startup reports, service records, and configuration details.
• Provide technical support and training to customer personnel on equipment operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
• Assist with HMI modifications to improve usability, process visibility, and operator efficiency.
• Identify and implement process improvements and system enhancements to increase reliability, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Promote and maintain safe work practices while working at the customer facility, adhering to site safety procedures and guidelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of automation systems into existing manufacturing processes.
• Respond to equipment issues promptly and work hands-on to diagnose and resolve controls and automation problems.
• Document and communicate lessons learned and best practices to the broader engineering team to support continuous improvement.

• Proven experience with Allen-Bradley PLC programming, modification, and troubleshooting in a manufacturing or automation environment.
• Hands-on experience with FANUC robots, including programming, integration, and troubleshooting of robotic cells.
• Demonstrated machine integration experience, including bringing new automated equipment online and integrating it into existing production lines.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in controls, automation, and robotics systems, with the ability to resolve complex technical issues independently.
• Ability to read, interpret, and review electrical and controls schematics and automation design documentation.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with customers, engineering teams, and operations personnel in a customer-facing role.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing multiple technical priorities.
• Comfort working onsite as the primary technical representative, maintaining professionalism and customer focus.

• Experience participating in daily issue-review or production meetings and presenting technical updates to stakeholders.
• Background in system validation, testing, and performance optimization for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation such as startup reports and service records.
• Exposure to HMI configuration and modification to support process improvements and operator usability.
• Familiarity with safety practices in manufacturing and automation environments and commitment to safe work habits.
• Ab…