Allen-Bradley, AutoCAD, Automation, Automation Systems, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Commissioning, Computer Science, Control Engineering, Cross-Functional, Debugging Skills, Electrical Design, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Git, Human Machine Interface (HMI), Identify Issues, Industrial Engineering, Input/Output, International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC), Ladder Logic, Motion Control, Multiplatform/Cross-Platform, Network Protocols, PACSystems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Research & Development (R&D), Software Engineering, SolidWorks, Source Code/Configuration Management (SCM), Structured Programming Methodologies, System Validation, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), Team Player, Technical Leadership
LOCATION
Durham, NC
POSTED
30+ days ago
Piper Companies is actively seeking Controls Engineer to join an innovative R&D organization focused on designing and building next‑generation automated machinery. These positions are direct hire and are on-site in Durham, NC. This team operates at the intersection of automation and modern software engineering, developing cutting‑edge, high‑speed systems from concept through deployment.
Responsibilities of the Controls Engineer:
Design, program, and debug PLC/PAC systems using IEC 61131‑3 languages (Ladder Logic, Structured Text)
Develop automation solutions for new machine builds, taking systems from concept through implementation
Integrate I/O systems using industrial protocols (EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, IO‑Link)
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, R&D, scientists) to deliver system functionality
Support HMI development and interface design for machine interaction
Troubleshoot and validate controls systems using electrical tools and diagnostics
Utilize source control (Git) for version management, collaboration, and deployment
Participate in commissioning, including limited travel for customer installations
Qualifications of the Controls Engineer:
5+ years of experience in controls engineering for industrial machinery (Senior level)
Experience beyond basic ladder logic programming, including structured text or object‑oriented approaches
Experience working across multiple PLC platforms (not limited to Allen Bradley)
Strong troubleshooting experience with controls panels and electrical systems
Familiarity with modern development practices, including source control (Git)
Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT, Codesys, or similar platforms preferred
Exposure to motion control, HMI development, and industrial networking protocols
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
Nice to Have:
Experience with electrical panel design
Familiarity with CAD tools (AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks)
MTR certification or similar
Compensation for the Controls Engineer:
Salary: $80,000 - $125,000 + 5% bonus
Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, and additional benefits
Additional Details:
Travel: 1-2 trips per year for installations (a few days to one week)
Work Environment: R&D-focused, highly collaborative team of 8-10 controls engineers
Opportunity to own features and subsystems, with senior engineers providing technical leadership
This job opens for applications on 5/12/2026. Applications will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.