Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer II

This Controls Engineer II role focuses on developing electrical and hardware designs for automated equipment in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. You will collaborate closely with the controls engineering team to design, program, and validate automation systems that meet both customer and internal specifications. Over time, you will take ownership as the hardware lead on small to medium-sized machines and replication projects, contributing significantly to the success of complex automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of controls architecture for small to medium-sized automated machines.
• Program control and vision systems for cam, servo, and air-operated stations, as well as test and electrical devices.
• Ensure that electrical designs and software architectures are functional, robust, and cost-effective.
• Research, evaluate, and specify appropriate purchased and preferred components for automated equipment.
• Create detailed electrical wiring schematics, flow diagrams, panel layouts, and bills of materials, and organize complete release packages.
• Update and maintain schematics and related documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in internal and customer design reviews, equipment installations, and service calls as needed.
• Guide Electricians on wiring practices and applicable codes, and support software validation requirements.
• Work with suppliers to identify and develop functional and economical solutions to design issues.
• Participate in Project Execution Plan meetings and contribute to the development of the controls engineering execution plan.
• Work effectively within project schedules and budgets, aligning engineering activities with overall project constraints.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Builders and Electricians to solve problems, debug software issues, and update all relevant documentation.
• Communicate ideas and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to team members and stakeholders.
• Work closely with Mechanical Engineering and Assembly teams, demonstrating objectivity and openness to diverse viewpoints.
• Help guide and mentor Level I Controls Engineers in the execution of their projects, supporting their technical development.

Essential Skills

• Two to six (2–6) years of experience in automation engineering or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming and controls engineering for automated equipment.
• Experience with electrical design for automation systems, including component selection and system architecture.
• Ability to program control and vision systems for cam, servo, and air-operated stations.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for both hardware and software issues in automated machinery.
• Knowledge of robotics, HMI development, and integration within control systems.
• Experience creating electrical wiring schematics, flow diagrams, panel layouts, and bills of materials.
• Ability to guide Electricians on wiring practices and applicable electrical codes.
• Proficient computer skills, including use of EPLAN, AutoCAD, Solid Works, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to use inspection and measuring tools such as scales, calipers, micrometers, multimeters, and dB meters.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for conveying technical information and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred college degree in electrical engineering, an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience using EPLAN hardware design software for electrical schematics and panel layouts.
• Familiarity with general electrical design principles, including power sizing and component selection.
• Ability to operate standard office and engineering equipment such as fax machines, copiers, printers, and plotters.
• Experience participating in customer and internal design reviews, installations, and service activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work within defined project schedules and budgets.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or supporting the development of less-experienced team members.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, progressive environment with significant growth and evolving automation technologies.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work closely with mechanical engineering, assembly, and field teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Palatine, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $55.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the…