Job Title: Controls Engineer Job Description This role focuses on designing and implementing cost-effective control systems for custom automated machinery, including hardware design, PLC/HMI programming, safety analysis, and technical documentation. The Controls Engineer collaborates closely with project teams and shop personnel to support electrical assembly, system debug, on-site installation, and customer training.
The position also contributes to continuous improvement by adopting new technologies, supporting engineering standards, and sharing lessons learned across projects. Responsibilities Develop cost-effective control systems for custom machinery, including hardware design, PLC/HMI programming, safety analysis, and preparation of technical documentation. Identify technical challenges early in the project and develop creative, practical solutions by leveraging available knowledge, tools, and resources.
Coordinate closely with shop personnel during the electrical assembly of control systems and machines to ensure accurate and efficient build-out. Participate in control system debug activities, including troubleshooting and refining hardware and software to achieve reliable, high-performance operation. Support on-site installation of control systems at customer facilities and ensure successful commissioning of automated equipment.
Provide customer training on system operation, safety, and maintenance to help users operate equipment confidently and effectively. Work proactively with minimal supervision to deliver projects on time and within budget while maintaining high quality standards. Motivate yourself and others in a positive, professional manner to foster a productive and collaborative project environment. Collaborate effectively with project managers, engineers, and assembly personnel as part of a cross-functional project team.
Communicate project status clearly, including risks and potential obstacles, to ensure stakeholders remain informed and aligned. Stay current with automation technology, engineering methods, and industry standards to continually enhance system performance and reliability. Actively participate in process improvement by adhering to engineering standards, engaging in procedural audits, and contributing to project design reviews.
Support the implementation of new engineering methods and technologies into ongoing and future projects. Contribute to the professional development of yourself and colleagues by constructively sharing lessons learned from project successes and failures. Essential Skills Bachelor’s degree in engineering and a minimum of two years of relevant experience, or a related two-year post–high school diploma/certificate and a minimum of five years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Extensive experience with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming on a variety of platforms. Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation families of programmable controllers, including Allen-Bradley PLCs. Proficiency in PLC/HMI programming for Allen-Bradley platforms. Familiarity with multiple IEC 61131-3 programming languages, including Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, Sequential Function Chart, and Instruction List.
Experience configuring, tuning, and programming servo-based motion control systems. Experience in electrical design and control panel layout for automated equipment. Experience preparing engineering documentation such as Electrical Schematics, Bills of Material, Process & Instrumentation Diagrams, and Operator and Maintenance Manuals. Basic understanding of computer networking concepts, including TCP/IP.
Basic understanding of industrial fieldbus architectures such as Ethernet/IP. Practical experience in controls engineering for automated equipment, including motion control, servo motors, robotics, and related electrical systems. Work Environment This is an onsite role based in a modern facility that f