Controls Engineer

Junior Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and commissions industrial control systems that support advanced product identification and traceability solutions used in manufacturing environments worldwide. This role combines hands-on PLC and HMI development with project installation, customer training, and collaboration with a highly experienced engineering team in a flexible, hybrid work setting.

Responsibilities

* Design and develop control systems and applications with limited assistance, including PLC programming, HMI development, machine vision, and motion control systems.

* Assist with electrical design activities and support the integration of robotics applications as needed.

* Program, configure, and integrate PLCs and HMIs using platforms such as Siemens, Omron, Rockwell, and related automation technologies.

* Support robotics and automation projects, including integration with Fanuc robots and conveyor systems.

* Manage project installations and startups, ensuring systems are installed, configured, and operating according to specifications.

* Plan and execute factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT) to validate system performance and functionality.

* Provide clear, effective training to customers on system operations, safety, and functionality.

* Support the sales team by estimating labor hours and technical effort required for project proposals and quotations.

* Collaborate closely with other engineers to troubleshoot, optimize, and enhance control system performance.

* Use AutoCAD Electrical to create and update electrical schematics and system layouts for control projects.

* Apply Cognex vision readers and related machine vision tools in product identification and traceability applications.

* Maintain accurate project documentation, including programs, schematics, test results, and customer training materials.

Essential Skills

* 1-3+ years of industry experience in PLC programming, preferably in industrial automation environments.

* Hands-on experience with HMI development for industrial control systems.

* Practical knowledge of Siemens and Omron PLC platforms.

* Experience with Rockwell-based PLC and automation systems.

* Familiarity with robotics applications, including integration with platforms such as Fanuc.

* Experience with conveyor integration and general automation systems.

* Ability to support commissioning activities and work effectively in customer-facing environments.

* Bachelor's degree in engineering; an associate degree in a related field is also acceptable.

* Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in controls and automation.

* Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with limited supervision.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Experience using Cognex vision readers for machine vision and product identification applications.

* Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical for creating and modifying electrical schematics and system designs.

* Experience conducting factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT).

* Experience working with motion control systems in industrial settings.

* Strong communication skills for delivering customer training and supporting sales with technical input.

* Comfort working in a collaborative, team-oriented engineering environment.

Work Environment

You will work as part of a close-knit engineering team of approximately 15 engineers within a company of about 150 people, offering a collaborative and team-oriented culture. The role follows a flexible, hybrid work schedule that supports work-life balance and encourages autonomy without micromanagement. You will occasionally travel, approximately 10-15%, primarily to customer sites in Kentucky and Michigan to support installations, startups, and acceptance testing.

The environment centers on industrial automation and product identification systems, using technologies such as PLCs (Siemens, Omron, Rockwell), HMIs, robotics (including Fanuc), conveyor systems, Cognex machine vision, and AutoCAD Electrical for design work. The team has strong tenure and deep experience, creating a supportive setting for professional growth and knowledge…