Controls Engineer

Our client is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to design, program, integrate, commission, and support industrial automation systems. This role is ideal for an Automation Engineer, PLC Programmer, Control Systems Engineer, or Systems Integration Engineer who enjoys seeing projects through from concept and design to startup, troubleshooting, and customer training.

You will work with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, VFDs, instrumentation, control panels, and industrial electrical systems to deliver reliable automation solutions for industrial and process applications.

Controls Engineer Responsibilities

• Design and develop industrial control systems, including control panel hardware selection, electrical schematics, I/O lists, and programming.
• Program, troubleshoot, and support PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications using industry-standard automation platforms.
• Develop control system specifications, sequence-of-operations documents, bill of materials, and complete electrical documentation packages.
• Select and integrate PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motor controls, instrumentation, sensors, relays, power supplies, and other industrial control components.
• Create and revise electrical schematics using AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, fabrication, engineering, and field service teams to ensure successful system integration.
• Support control panel fabrication, wiring, factory acceptance testing, functional testing, and quality review.
• Perform on-site and remote commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, system testing, and operator training.
• Diagnose issues involving PLC logic, HMI screens, SCADA communications, instrumentation, VFDs, motor controls, electrical circuits, and process equipment.
• Assist with project scoping, estimating, quoting, scheduling, budget tracking, and resource coordination.
• Support sales and estimating teams by developing preliminary control concepts, system requirements, and technical project scopes.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and support continuous improvement of engineering standards, templates, and design practices.
• Ensure control system designs and installations meet customer requirements, safety expectations, applicable electrical codes, and performance standards.

Work Environment & Travel

• Approximately 60% office-based engineering, programming, design, and project coordination
• Approximately 40% customer-site, field, startup, and commissioning work
• Up to 20% overnight travel for project commissioning, troubleshooting, training, and customer support
• Travel is negligible and regional with most clients based within 300-mile radius

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls, or a related discipline; equivalent technical education and relevant experience will also be considered.
• Experience designing, programming, commissioning, or supporting industrial control systems.
• Working knowledge of PLC and HMI programming; Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience with industrial automation components including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motor controls, instrumentation, sensors, and control panels.
• Ability to read, create, and interpret electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, control schematics, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Experience using AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical for electrical schematic design.
• Strong troubleshooting ability involving industrial electrical systems, instrumentation, automation controls, and process equipment.
• Excellent communication, organization, time-management, and customer-facing skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel based on project needs.

Preferred Experience

• SCADA development, historian systems, data collection, industrial networking, or telemetry systems.
• Experience with FactoryTalk, Studio 5000, Logix Designer, PanelView, Ignition, Wonderware, VTScada, or similar automation platforms.
• Familiarity with Ethernet/IP, Modbus, serial communications, managed switches, remote I/O, and industrial networks.
• Knowledge of UL 508A control panel standards, NFPA 70, NFPA 79, NEC, and electrical safety practices.
• Experience in industrial process automation, manufacturing automation, pumping systems, municipal utilities, or related applications.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects, shifting priorities, deadlines, and customer expectations.

Benefits

• Employee ownership opportunity
• 401(k) with company match
• Profit-sharing bonus potential
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and volunteer time off
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Collaborative culture focused on innovation, accountability, and technical growth

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