Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports automated machinery by developing and modifying PLC programs using ladder logic and structured text, as well as creating and maintaining HMI applications that enable efficient machine operation and troubleshooting. This role configures and commissions servo and motion control systems, tests and debugs equipment, and resolves software, electrical, and machine integration issues. The Controls Engineer also provides remote support to customers and field service teams, assists with machine startups and customer training, and occasionally travels (less than 5%) to support field service and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and maintain PLC applications using ladder logic and structured text to control automated machinery.
• Design, develop, and maintain HMI applications that support machine operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Configure and commission servo and motion control systems to ensure precise and reliable machine performance.
• Test, debug, and validate automated equipment to confirm proper functionality and integration.
• Diagnose and resolve software, electrical, and machine integration issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Troubleshoot controls and machine problems both on-site and remotely to minimize downtime.
• Provide remote technical support to customers and field service teams for controls-related issues.
• Assist with machine startups at customer sites, ensuring proper commissioning and operation of equipment.
• Participate in customer training sessions, explaining machine controls, operation, and basic troubleshooting.
• Read, interpret, and create electrical schematics to support design, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including field service and mechanical engineering, to deliver complete machine solutions.
• Support machine building activities by ensuring controls hardware and software align with design requirements.
• Document changes to PLC and HMI programs and maintain accurate records of configuration and commissioning activities.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers and internal stakeholders to understand requirements and provide updates.
• Occasionally travel (less than 5% of the time) to customer sites to support field service, commissioning, and training.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience in controls engineering or a closely related role.
• Hands-on PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley (AB) or Siemens platforms.
• Proficiency in ladder logic programming for industrial automation applications.
• Experience with HMI development and programming for machine operation and diagnostics.
• Background in machine startup, commissioning, and debugging of automated equipment.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics for machinery and control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for software, electrical, and machine integration issues.
• Comfort working directly with customers, including providing technical support and training.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers and internal teams.
• Foundational knowledge of electrical systems and controls engineering principles.
• Experience in machine building or working closely with machine builders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is preferred.
• Experience with machine builder environments or custom automation projects.
• Familiarity with EPLAN for electrical design and documentation.
• Experience using AutoCAD for electrical schematics and layout.
• Ability to work independently on projects from concept and design through programming, commissioning, and final machine startup.
• Strong collaboration skills and willingness to work as part of a close-knit engineering team.
• Interest in taking ownership of projects and seeing them through all phases of development.

Work Environment

The company employs around 200 people, offering the resources and stability of a larger organization while maintaining a family-oriented, close-knit culture. The Controls Engineering team works collaboratively, enjoys a friendly atmosphere, and values having fun while delivering high-quality work. Engineers typically work about 45 hours per week, with a standard schedule of approximately 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and flexibility in start times. The environment is hands-on, giving engineers the opportunity to make a direct impact and follow proje