Controls Engineer
Listed on 2026-09-01
-
Engineering
Automation & Mechatronics Engineer, Systems Engineer, Electrical Engineering
Controls Engineer
PLC-Based Automation | Industrial Controls | Startup & Commissioning
Location:
Norcross, GA
Employment:
Full-Time
Reports To:
Engineering Manager
Compensation:
Competitive, Based on Experience
Travel:
Approximately 25%, for on-site commissioning of machines
Position Overview
We are seeking a Controls or Electrical Engineer with 3+ years of experience supporting PLC-based automation and robotic systems, industrial electrical controls, and automated manufacturing equipment in production environments.
This role is responsible for commissioning, startup-support, and ongoing troubleshooting and testing of automated production equipment. You will work hands-on with Beckhoff PLC and motion platforms, Cobots such as Universal Robotics, HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial control networks.
This position includes approximately 25% travel to support on-site machine commissioning. The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth with a proven ability to reduce downtime, improve equipment reliability, and optimize production processes through effective root cause analysis and control system enhancements.
Key Responsibilities
- Commission new and upgraded automation systems, including PLC programming, panel wiring verification, I/O checkout, and loop checks.
- Provide startup support for new equipment installations, coordinating with vendors, integrators, and internal engineering/operations teams.
- Troubleshoot and support startup of existing production machines, diagnosing control and mechanical/electrical faults to restore equipment to running condition.
- Troubleshoot ladder logic, structured text, other IEC
61131-3 programming structures - Diagnose and resolve electrical control issues including motor controls, VFDs, Servo Motion, remote I/O, safety circuits, E-stops, and interlocks.
- Configure and support HMI/SCADA systems for operator visibility and control
- Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks (Ether Net/IP, Ethercat, Profibus, Device Net, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC-UA).
- Interpret and maintain electrical schematics, blueprints, BOMs, loop drawings, control layouts, and documentation using SkyCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, or EPLAN P8.
- Conduct root cause analysis on equipment breakdowns and alarms, driving downtime reduction and reliability improvements.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to support production schedules and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure all work complies with safety standards, including safety systems, SIL requirements, OSHA regulations, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
- Travel approximately 25% of the time to customer or facility sites to support on-site commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of machines.
- Maintain SOP compliance and support development of standardized commissioning and troubleshooting procedures.
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience supporting PLC-based automation systems, industrial electrical controls, and automated manufacturing equipment in a production environment.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Controls/Automation Technology, or related field (equivalent hands-on experience will be considered in lieu of a degree).
- Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs, Cobots, and HMIs.
- Proficiency in ladder logic, structured text, FBD, or SFC programming languages, with strong I/O diagnostics skills.
- Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms such as Blazor
- Working knowledge of industrial networking protocols:
Ether Net/IP, EtherCAT, Profibus, Device Net, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC-UA. - Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, with proficiency in SkyCAD or AutoCAD preferred
- Proven ability to troubleshoot and support startup of existing production machines, diagnosing and resolving faults to restore equipment to running condition.
- Demonstrated experience with field commissioning, loop checks, and equipment start-up support.
- Strong understanding of industrial safety standards, including LOTO procedures and safety circuit design (E-stops, interlocks, safety relays).
- Effective communicator able to collaborate across operations, maintenance, and engineering functions.
Preferre…
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