Operational Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

At Century Mold, we don't just mold parts, our customers come to us with their toughest challenges … and we mold solutions. The plastics industry is full of challenges and the Century Mold team prides themselves on their problem-solving capabilities. We strive to provide and deliver more not only for our customers but for our team as well.

About the Role:

The Controls Engineer position blends strong controls engineering expertise with hands-on manufacturing engineering to improve automation, equipment reliability, and production efficiency. This role requires deep technical knowledge of PLC programming, CNC programming and setup, robotics, and industrial automation systems combined with a strategic mindset for driving continuous improvement and digital manufacturing initiatives.

The Controls Engineer will play a critical role in designing, integrating, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated manufacturing systems across molding, machining, assembly, and secondary operations. This individual will partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and IT teams to implement robust control systems, modernize equipment connectivity, and support the plant’s Industry 4.0 and automation roadmap.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of controls engineering, manufacturing process development, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Design, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems for automated manufacturing equipment, assembly cells, robotics, and material handling systems
• Support CNC programming, setup, and process optimization for machining operations to improve cycle times, repeatability, and product quality
• Lead automation integration projects, including robotics, vision systems, automated inspection, and secondary operations
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment controls issues across production lines to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability
• Develop and standardize control architectures, electrical schematics, and automation documentation
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to support equipment upgrades, retrofits, and preventative maintenance strategies
• Integrate machines and automation systems with plant data systems, machine monitoring platforms, and digital manufacturing tools
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support new product launches, equipment installations, and process validation
• Implement data collection and automation technologies that improve production visibility, traceability, and decision-making
• Support the development of standard operating procedures, control logic documentation, and training materials for automated systems
• Evaluate and implement automation and robotics opportunities to improve safety, throughput, and cost competitiveness
• Work with external automation vendors, integrators, and OEMs to deliver reliable and scalable automation solutions

Why This Role Matters

This position is instrumental in advancing the plant’s automation capabilities and supporting the transition toward connected, data-driven manufacturing systems. By combining deep technical controls knowledge with manufacturing engineering expertise, this role will help drive improvements in safety, equipment reliability, throughput, and overall operational excellence.

We would love to hear from you if:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing engineering
• Strong experience with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms)
• Experience programming or supporting CNC machines (Mastercam, NX, Fanuc, Haas, or similar)
• Hands-on experience with industrial robotics, motion control, and automation systems
• Knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, OPC)
• Experience with electrical schematics, control panel design, and troubleshooting electrical systems
• Familiarity with machine vision systems, sensors, and automated inspection technologies
• Experience integrating equipment with MES, SCADA, or machine monitoring systems
• Strong problem-solving ability with a hands-on approach to manufacturing challenges
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, and maintenance teams

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in plastic injection molding, machining, or high-volume automated manufacturing

Century Mold offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes annual bonus, paid vacation and holidays, 401(k) matching, HSA contributions, and medical, dental and vision plans.

Century Mold is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal consideration to all qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws.

Century Mold offers reasonable accommodation in the employment process for individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance in the application process to accommodate a disability, you may request accommodation at any time by contacting the Human Resources Department.