Controls & Automation Engineer

Summary: 

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and supporting automated control systems used in manufacturing and industrial operations. This role ensures equipment reliability, optimizes performance, and supports continuous improvement initiatives through advanced control strategies, PLC programming, HMI development, and system troubleshooting. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:   

• Design, develop, and maintain automated control systems utilizing PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent), including programming, debugging, and modifying Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text to support new equipment, system upgrades, and process improvements. 

• Develop and maintain electrical controls documentation, including electrical schematics, I/O lists, control panel layouts, and related system documentation required for machine builds, automation projects, and test cells. 

• Design, implement, and validate automated test and manufacturing systems, including fixture integration, instrumentation, data acquisition, and system verification activities to support production and engineering requirements. 

• Perform system commissioning, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis for PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, VFDs, servos, sensors, actuators, and associated hardware to ensure reliable equipment operation and performance. 

• Complete Role Standard Work and deliver all other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Proficient in PLC programming utilizing Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text. Preferably familiar with Allen-Bradley Studio 5000/RSLogix, Siemens TIA Portal.   

• Core familiarity or hands-on experience with NI LabVIEW and hardware architectures (cRIO, cDAQ) highly preferred. 

• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, PROFINET) and integrating hardware components such as VFDs, servos, sensors, and actuators. 

• Analytical mindset for root-cause analysis on equipment reliability and process capability. 

• Ability to read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and I/O wiring diagrams. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively translate complex technical issues and software changes for non-software engineers and operations teams. 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a closely related technical field. 

• 3 to 5+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing or production environment focusing on industrial automated controls, system integration, or automated test development. 

Preferred Certification(s): 

• Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 / ControlLogix certification 

• Siemens TIA Portal / SIMATIC programming certification 

• ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or equivalent industrial controls certification 

• Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) or higher. 

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements: 

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. 

• The employee is frequently required to sit. 

• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk 

• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.   

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.  

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.