Controls Engineer - Industrial Automation Team

Travel: 10% (Travel is typically for customer acceptance activities; may include overnights)

Manages Others: No

Relocation: Yes, this position is eligible for relocation assistance

Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field is strongly preferred (candidates with 8+ years of directly related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).

Experience: Minimum 4 - 6 years of experience in controls engineering for custom industrial automation / machine‑level systems. Proficiency with Allen‑Bradley (RSLogix / Studio 5000, Factory Talk), Siemens (Simatic / TIA Portal), and/or Beckhoff (TwinCAT). Strong PLC programming skills using ladder logic and structured text. Experience developing HMI applications. Working knowledge of industrial communication networks. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex control systems during integration and commissioning

The Controls Engineer III – Industrial Automation is responsible for the design, programming, integration, and commissioning of machine‑level and cell‑based control systems for custom industrial automation projects. This role focuses on deterministic control, motion systems, safety, and robust fault handling in manufacturing, assembly, test, packaging, and process environments.

This position is intended for a mid‑level controls engineer who can independently execute assigned work, contribute to system design, and support commissioning activities while continuing to grow technical depth.

• Review and validate sales and project documentation to ensure the proposed controls concept is feasible
• Translate customer specifications and functional requirements into control system designs
• Develop PLC programs including:
  • Program structure and architecture
  • I/O mapping
  • Sequences and interlocks
  • Fault handling and recovery logic
• Configure and tune servo motion systems and VFDs
• Design and implement industrial communication networks (Ether Net/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)
• Develop and implement safety PLC logic based on risk assessments
• Review electrical schematics and provide feedback on design discrepancies or improvement opportunities
• Develop HMI applications including navigation, alarms, diagnostics, trending, and data logging
• Support the full commissioning cycle:
  • Machine bring‑up and debug
  • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
  • Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) support
  • Troubleshoot controls issues during integration and startup in a structured, efficient manner
• Create system documentation including operation manuals and training materials
• Contribute to controls standardization efforts
  , including reusable code, AOIs, and HMI templates
• Participate in design reviews and lessons‑learned discussions
• Provide informal technical guidance and support to Level II Controls Engineers

• 4 - 6 years of hands‑on controls engineering experience in custom industrial automation
  , machine control, and production cells.
• Proficiency in Allen‑Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000
  , Factory Talk
  , Siemens Simatic/TIA Portal
  , and/or Beckhoff TwinCAT
  .
• Strong programming proficiency in ladder logic
  , structured text
  , and sequential function charts (SFC/FBD).
• Experience with servo motion systems
  , drives, VFDs, and motion tuning.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting HMI applications
  , including advanced features (diagnostics, alarm management, trending, recipes).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks & protocols (Ether Net/IP, Profinet, Modbus, safety networks).
• Knowledge and implementation experience with machine safety systems
  , safety relays, and safety‑rated PLC logic per risk assessment methodology.
• Familiarity with hydraulics, pneumatics, industrial sensors, actuators
  , and machine‑level control devices.
• Ability to review and interpret electrical schematics
  ;
  AutoCAD Electrical familiarity preferred.
• Exposure to robotics, SCADA, Ignition, historians, or machine vision is a plus (not core to this role).
• Proven debugging and root‑cause analysis capability during integration and commissioning.
• Strong communication skills for customer interaction and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and…