Automation Engineer Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Description

Come Join The Fun as our Controls Engineer and be part of Making Candy Fun!

At R.M. Palmer Company, our mission is clear: driving innovation that celebrates life's special moments by focusing on value and integrity while making candy fun in everything we do. We take pride in blending creativity and tradition to deliver products that spark joy, bring smiles, and create lasting memories, one candy at a time.

Since 1948, R.M. Palmer Company, LLC has grown from just 4 employees and 4 products into a leading manufacturer of imaginative chocolate novelties with more than 500 unique products and over 600 full-time employees. Today, we operate two manufacturing facilities and a distribution center the size of 11 football fields, producing more than 50 million pounds of product each year.

Our continued success is built on the people and values that drive us every day. We believe in getting it done with urgency, ownership, and accountability. We challenge ourselves to break it better through innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement. We own the outcome by taking responsibility and acting in the best interest of our team, customers, and company. We play to win by focusing on results and striving for excellence in everything we do. Most importantly, we aim to leave them smiling by bringing positivity, teamwork, passion, and energy to every interaction.

Why Join Us?

When you join our team, you're not just starting a job, you're building a career with a company that values its people. We believe in rewarding hard work, supporting work-life balance, and helping our employees grow.

• Three weeks vacation to start so you can recharge
• Affordable benefits starting at $19 per week for medical, dental, and vision
• Company 401(k) contribution with match to help you save for the future 

If you are passionate about collaboration, continuous learning, and creating products that bring joy to others, we encourage you to apply. 

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, programming, integration, and optimization of advanced automated control systems within a manufacturing environment. This role serves as a technical expert for automation initiatives, equipment reliability, and process improvement efforts. The Controls Engineer partners with production, maintenance, engineering, and external vendors to implement scalable automation solutions that improve safety, quality, operational efficiency, and overall equipment performance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, program, implement, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, servo, and motion control systems for manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Lead automation projects including equipment upgrades, line integrations, and new system installations from concept through commissioning.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, network layouts, control narratives, and technical documentation.
• Serve as the primary controls and automation resource for troubleshooting complex electrical and programming issues.
• Optimize automation systems to improve uptime, throughput, safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Configure and maintain industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, DeviceNet, ProfiNet, or similar protocols.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to establish best practices for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
• Support capital expenditure projects by developing technical specifications, evaluating vendors, and managing system implementation.
• Ensure compliance with electrical standards, machine safety requirements, and company policies.
• Analyze production data and equipment performance trends to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Mentor maintenance technicians on controls systems and automation technologies.
• Coordinate with OEMs, integrators, and contractors during equipment installations and major projects.
• Maintain revision control for software backups, electrical drawings, and system configurations.
• Participate in strategic planning related to manufacturing automation and process modernization initiatives.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical discipline required.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in industrial controls engineering and automation within a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Siemens, or equivalent systems.
• Strong experience with HMI and SCADA platforms including FactoryTalk, Wonderware, Ignition, WinCC, or similar systems.
• Advanced knowledge of industrial networking, VFDs, servo systems, robotics, instrumentation, and motion control technologies.
• Proven experience leading automation projects, equipment startups, and system integrations.
• Ability to read, create, and modify electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Strong understanding of NFPA, NEC, OSHA, and industrial machine safety standards.
• Experience supporting high-speed manufacturing, packaging, or process equipment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities independently.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent drafting software preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work in alignment with company core values by taking initiative, driving results, embracing continuous improvement, maintaining accountability and ownership, contributing to a high-performing team environment, and delivering exceptional internal and external customer experiences.