Job Title:
Controls Engineer – Industrial Automation (PLC / Robotics)
Location: Columbus, IN (On-site | Relocation Not Available)
Salary Range: $75,000 – $85,000 (DOE)
Employment Type: Direct Hire (Exempt)
Job Summary
We are supporting a confidential industrial automation and custom equipment manufacturer seeking a Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, startup, and deployment of automated manufacturing systems.
This is a hands-on, project-based role ideal for an early-career to mid-level Controls Engineer who enjoys working with PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and electrical design in a custom automation environment. This role is not a plant maintenance position — engineers are involved throughout the full equipment lifecycle, from design and programming through commissioning, testing, and customer acceptance.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- 1+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation / controls engineering
- PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Keyence, or similar platforms)
- Experience programming industrial robots or cobots (Fanuc, Universal Robots, Doosan, or similar)
- Experience with vision systems (Keyence, Cognex, or similar)
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
- Working knowledge of industrial safety circuits
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with HMI and motion control systems
- Exposure to SQL Server / database setup
- Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar electrical design software
- Experience supporting equipment startups, runoffs, and commissioning
- Comfortable supporting projects outside of first shift as needed
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Program and support PLCs, robotics, and vision systems for custom automation equipment
- Support equipment startup, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance
- Design and support electrical systems including control panels, wiring, and circuits
- Support field wiring, debugging, and system troubleshooting
- Diagnose electrical and controls issues and implement corrective actions
- Support creation of project documentation and training materials
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams to transition equipment into production
- Communicate project status and technical details with customers and internal stakeholders
Physical and Environment Requirements
Physical expectations and working conditions may include standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods; lifting up to 30–50 lbs; working at varying heights; and working in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Some onsite installation and support work may be required.
Company Benefits & Culture
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
- Stable pipeline of custom automation projects
- Opportunity to work on technically challenging, non-repetitive equipment
- Collaborative engineering environment with hands-on ownership
INDQSS3