Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Title:

Controls Engineer

This role focuses on providing hands‑on controls engineering support for fabrication, finishing, and assembly operations within a manufacturing plant. The Controls Engineer troubleshoots automated equipment, optimizes PLC and robotic programs, and collaborates closely with production and maintenance teams to improve equipment performance and reliability. The position offers exposure to advanced manufacturing technology, ongoing technical training, and strong potential for long‑term career growth.

• Troubleshoot and provide day‑to‑day controls support for fabrication, finishing, and assembly operations in a manufacturing environment.

• Identify, analyze, and eliminate production barriers across automated equipment, including presses, conveyors, welders, robotics, and assembly systems.

• Modify, debug, and optimize PLC programs to improve equipment performance, uptime, and process stability.

• Update and enhance robotics programs to support process improvements, cycle time reduction, and quality enhancements.

• Configure, adjust, and maintain motor controls, sensors, and related electrical control components to ensure reliable operation.

• Develop, modify, and improve operator interfaces and HMI screens to enhance usability and support efficient production.

• Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to plan, support, and execute equipment installations, upgrades, and modifications.

• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date documentation for electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, PLC, HMI, and robotic systems.

• Support and improve shop floor data collection systems to enhance visibility into equipment performance and production metrics.

• Participate in troubleshooting efforts for electrical systems, including control panels, wiring, and field devices, to quickly resolve downtime issues.

• Apply control system design principles to implement changes that improve safety, quality, and throughput.

• Interpret and use blueprints, schematics, and technical documentation when diagnosing issues or implementing design changes.

• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to ensure controls solutions align with production requirements and safety standards.

• 2–5 years of experience in electrical controls, automation, or manufacturing environments.

• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting skills, including modifying, debugging, and optimizing PLC programs.

• Hands‑on experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment such as conveyors, presses, assembly systems, and welders.

• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve issues with electrical controls, motor controls, sensors, and related equipment.

• Experience working with robotic systems, including making program changes and supporting automated processes.

• Knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems and the ability to troubleshoot and maintain pneumatic and hydraulic components integrated into manufacturing equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical documentation.

• Background in industrial automation and controls engineering.

• Proficiency in PLC troubleshooting within automated systems.

• Experience with HMI programming and operator interface configuration.

• Ability to apply control system design principles in a manufacturing setting.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field.

• Experience with automation systems and industrial control architectures.

• Familiarity with AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical for creating and updating electrical drawings.

• Experience working with robotics and automation to improve process efficiency and consistency.

• Knowledge of pneumatics and control of pneumatic systems within automated equipment.

• Experience supporting shop floor data collection systems and related interfaces.

• Strong problem‑solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and continuous improvement.

• Effective communication skills to collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams.

• Interest in ongoing technical training and professional development to stay current with advanced manufacturing technologies.