Automation and Controls Engineer

At Ecore, we transform reclaimed rubber into innovative performance surfaces that protect people and the planet. Our products power everything from playgrounds and gyms to hospitals, courts, and even rockets-helping people in motion be their strongest, healthiest selves. As a high-growth, sustainability-driven company, we're leading the way in circular innovation by keeping rubber out of landfills and turning waste into wellness, safety, and performance.

We're excited to find individuals who are eager to be part of a team that's driving global impact through innovation, sustainability, and purpose.

Location: 715 Fountain Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601

salary expectations- $110k-$115k

Location
- Lancaster PA and York PA

We are seeking an experienced Automation & Controls Engineer to support and improve our manufacturing systems by leading control system updates, troubleshooting automation issues, and driving reliability across production equipment. This role plays a critical part in maintaining system performance while advancing our machine obsolescence mitigation strategy.

This position supports both the York and Lancaster facilities, with flexibility to be based at the location closest to you. A key focus of this role is integrating and standardizing control systems across equipment that currently operate on different platforms, ultimately building a more unified and reliable network.

The ideal candidate brings strong PLC/HMI expertise, a proactive troubleshooting mindset, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and drive automation forward.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the Machine Obsolescence Mitigation Plan to ensure long-term system reliability and maintainability
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and support control systems including PLCs, HMIs, drives, sensors, safety systems, and industrial networks
• Diagnose and resolve automation and control system failures, recognizing issues may take minutes or extended time to resolve
• Develop and modify PLC, HMI, and motion control programs to support continuous improvement initiatives
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on recurring issues and implement corrective actions
• Identify and implement system upgrades to improve performance, stability, and longevity
• Support commissioning, start-up, and validation of new equipment and system retrofits
• Maintain and update electrical schematics, documentation, and control narratives
• Train maintenance technicians and operators on system updates and controls best practices
• Standardize control systems, programming structures, and hardware across multiple sites
• Lead efforts to integrate disparate machine control systems into a unified network architecture
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and IT to improve system performance and connectivity
• Work with OEMs and vendors on system support, upgrades, and troubleshooting
• Participate in capital projects, including equipment integration and system design
• Improve visibility of system performance through dashboards, HMIs, and monitoring tools
• Support automation initiatives by identifying opportunities to automate processes once control systems are optimized

What a Day Looks Like

• Supporting both York and Lancaster facilities, with flexibility in home base location
• Troubleshooting electrical and control issues-ranging from quick fixes to complex, time-intensive problems
• Working hands-on with equipment to ensure systems are running efficiently
• Building connectivity between machines running on different control platforms
• Partnering with maintenance and engineering teams to improve uptime and reliability
• Supporting ongoing capital projects and system integrations

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in automation, controls, or electrical engineering in a manufacturing environment
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC/HMI platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, ABB, Yaskawa)
• Experience with drives (VFDs), sensors, and industrial control systems
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex electrical and control systems
• Experience working in manufacturing environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or supporting capital projects, including equipment integration and system upgrades
• Experience with data integration across multiple machines or systems
• Programming experience with C++, Python, or Visual Basic
• Familiarity with network topology and system architecture
• Knowledge of electrical and safety standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, OSHA)
• Certifications such as NEC or Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

Key Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Hands-on, proactive troubleshooting approach
• Strong communication and collaboration across technical and operational teams
• Ability to influence and drive standardization…