Job Description Controls Engineer Location: Greater Raleigh, North Carolina Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire Overview A growing industrial automation organization is looking to add a Controls Engineer to design, program, test, commission, and support control systems across a variety of customer environments. This role covers the full project lifecycle, from reviewing requirements and developing control logic to startup, troubleshooting, and ongoing technical support. You'll work closely with engineers, project managers, technicians, vendors, and customers to deliver practical automation solutions.
Candidates from manufacturing, food and beverage, life sciences, utilities, material handling, process controls, and other industrial environments are encouraged to apply. Experience in one specific industry is not required. What You'll Be Doing Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot industrial automation systems.
Develop and update PLC logic, HMI applications, and operator interfaces. Review customer requirements and develop practical control-system solutions. Configure industrial networks, drives, instrumentation, remote I/O, and related equipment.
Perform system testing, startup, and commissioning. Troubleshoot electrical, programming, communication, and equipment issues. Improve existing systems to increase reliability, safety, and performance.
Maintain program files, system backups, drawings, and technical documentation. Coordinate with engineers, project managers, technicians, vendors, and customer teams. Provide remote and onsite technical support.
Communicate project updates, technical risks, and recommended solutions. Travel to customer facilities as required. What You Bring Experience programming, commissioning, or troubleshooting industrial control systems.
Hands-on experience with PLC and HMI platforms. Understanding of industrial electrical systems, sensors, drives, instrumentation, and networks. Ability to read electrical drawings, control schematics, and equipment documentation.
Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities. Clear communication skills and confidence working directly with customers.
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel. Nice to Have Experience with Allen-Bradley or Rockwell Automation systems. Familiarity with ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Studio 5000, or FactoryTalk.
Experience with variable-frequency drives, industrial Ethernet, and remote I/O. Background supporting system integration, plant expansions, equipment upgrades, or new installations. Exposure to additional PLC, HMI, SCADA, or automation platforms.
Education A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, automation, mechatronics, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent hands-on industrial automation experience will also be considered. Why This Role Stands Out This is not a role focused only on maintaining one facility or responding to repetitive equipment issues.
You'll work on different projects, technologies, and customer environments while taking ownership of your work from design through commissioning. This opportunity is a strong fit for someone who enjoys programming, troubleshooting, solving real-world automation challenges, and seeing projects through from concept to completion