Controls Engineer Plc Programming Jobs in North Carolina

Job Title: Electrical Engineer 3 - PLC Controls Engineer
Job Id: 26-03927
Location: Durham, NC
Duration: 12 Months Contract
Position Type: Hourly Contract Position (W2 only)
Contract-to-Hire
Technical Skills
Must Have
PLC Development - Autocad - Beckhoff - Structured Text
Summary
 

• We are seeking a highly motivated PLC Controls Engineer with 5+ years of industrial automation and PLC programming experience. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, development, troubleshooting, and enhancement of control systems, electrical hardware, and electromechanical equipment throughout the product lifecycle. This role requires strong technical expertise, independent decision-making, and the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines to solve complex engineering challenges.
• The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in PLC software development using Beckhoff TwinCAT, Structured Text programming (IEC 61131-3), control panel design, system integration, hardware troubleshooting, and machine automation.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN is highly desirable.
• This position offers the opportunity to work on advanced automation systems in a collaborative engineering environment. Depending on performance and business needs, this position is expected to transition into a permanent full-time role.

 
Primary Responsibilities:
 

• Design, develop, commission, and maintain PLC software using Beckhoff TwinCAT.
• Develop control algorithms and machine sequences using Structured Text (ST) programming.
• Integrate PLCs with HMIs, motion control systems, safety systems, sensors, and industrial networks.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and software-related issues in laboratory and production environments.
• Support system commissioning, startup activities, validation, and field troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering documentation.
• Design and review control panels, power distribution systems, and electrical assemblies.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Manufacturing, and Software Engineering teams.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for field and production issues.
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and product lifecycle activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to machine performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians when required.

 
Qualifications:
 

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience developing PLC-based control systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience using Beckhoff TwinCAT PLC development environment.
• Strong proficiency in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) programming.
• Experience commissioning and debugging industrial automation equipment.

 
Strong experience with:
 

• PLC software development and troubleshooting
• Beckhoff hardware and EtherCAT-based systems
• Motion control and servo drive integration
• Control panel design
• Power distribution and industrial electrical systems
• Hardware integration and system testing
• Product troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Experience creating, reviewing, and maintaining engineering documentation and technical specifications.
• Strong understanding of design verification, validation, and product lifecycle processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

 
Preferred Qualifications:
 

• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN.
• Experience with machine safety systems and safety PLCs.

 
Experience integrating:
 

• Servo motors and motion control systems
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Vision systems
• Industrial robotics
• Barcode/RFID systems

 
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols including:
 

• EtherCAT
• Ethernet/IP
• Modbus TCP
• OPC-UA
• Experience supporting manufacturing, automation, medical device, pharmaceutical, or highly regulated industries.
• Knowledge of UL508A, NFPA 79, CE, and other relevant industrial controls standards.
• Experience validating automated equipment and supporting qualification activities.

 
Key Competencies:
 

• PLC Programming (Beckhoff TwinCAT)
• Structured Text Development
• Control System Architecture
• Industrial Automation
• Motion Control
• Electrical Design
• System Integration
• Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis
• Technical Documentation
• Cross-Functional Collaboration.

Founded in 1990, Sunrise Systems is an award winning IT/Professional Staffing firm to Fortune 500 and State/Local Government Agencies.