Position Overview
A leading industrial manufacturer is seeking an experienced Electrical Controls Engineer to join its engineering team. This individual will be responsible for designing, programming, troubleshooting, and improving automation and control systems that support manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate has experience developing PLC and HMI programs from scratch, commissioning new equipment, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives in an industrial environment.
This is a highly visible role with opportunities to lead automation projects while working closely with maintenance, engineering, and production teams.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and industrial control systems for manufacturing equipment.
- Program PLCs from the ground up using Allen-Bradley (preferred) and/or Siemens platforms.
- Develop HMI applications for machine control and operator interfaces.
- Design electrical control panels, schematics, and wiring diagrams utilizing AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
- Configure and troubleshoot variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, motion control, and industrial networks.
- Commission new automation equipment and support factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
- Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues to minimize equipment downtime.
- Support production and maintenance teams with complex automation problems.
- Develop and maintain documentation including electrical drawings, control narratives, and operating procedures.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities to increase equipment reliability, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Participate in capital projects including equipment upgrades, new production lines, and process improvements.
- Ensure all control systems comply with applicable electrical codes and plant safety standards.
- Provide technical training and support to maintenance personnel and operators.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
- 3+ years of experience designing and supporting industrial automation systems.
- Experience programming PLCs from scratch.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Allen-Bradley ControlLogix & CompactLogix
- Siemens S7 (preferred)
- FactoryTalk View
- WinCC (plus)
- Experience with:
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Servo Motors
- Motion Control
- Industrial Robotics (preferred)
- Ethernet/IP
- Profinet
- Modbus
- DeviceNet
- Ability to read and create electrical schematics.
- Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
- Strong troubleshooting skills involving electrical and automated manufacturing equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Food & Beverage manufacturing experience
- Automotive manufacturing experience
- Packaging or material handling automation
- Vision inspection systems (Cognex, Keyence)
- SQL or database integration
- SCADA systems
- Ignition experience
- Safety PLCs
- Functional Safety (SIL, Category 3/4)
- Project management experience
- Experience commissioning new production lines
What You'll Bring
- Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical personnel.
- A hands-on approach with a passion for solving complex automation challenges.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on reliability and operational excellence.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation
- Performance bonus
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- Career advancement opportunities
- Stable, growing manufacturing environment
- Exposure to cutting-edge automation technology
Keywords
Electrical Controls Engineer • Controls Engineer • Automation Engineer • PLC Programmer • Industrial Automation • Allen-Bradley • ControlLogix • CompactLogix • Siemens S7 • FactoryTalk View • WinCC • AutoCAD Electrical • EPLAN • HMI • SCADA • VFD • Servo Motors • Motion Control • Robotics • Ethernet/IP • Profinet • Cognex • Keyence • Ignition • Industrial Controls • Manufacturing Automation • Commissioning • Capital Projects • Continuous Improvement • Electrical Design