Controls Engineer - Vehicle Wash Systems

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer – Vehicle Wash Systems to join their engineering team. This role is responsible for the design, troubleshooting, support, and continuous improvement of automated vehicle wash systems.

While strong PLC and controls knowledge is essential, mechanical aptitude and hands on mechanical understanding are critical to success in this position . The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable working with mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, and control logic in both office and field environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Controls Engineer for small to medium-sized vehicle wash projects, supporting systems from design through commissioning.
• Travel approximately 20% to customer sites (Overnight - Once a month) to assist with vehicle wash startups, mechanical troubleshooting, and field inspections.
• Diagnose and resolve system issues remotely and onsite, with a strong focus on mechanical root-cause analysis in addition to PLC and electrical troubleshooting.
• Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI applications .
• Develop clear, accurate, and cost-effective engineering drawings using AutoCAD , including mechanical layouts, schematics, and control documentation.
• Interpret and troubleshoot mechanical drawings, equipment layouts, and system assemblies , ensuring proper integration with control systems.
• Collaborate with project managers to ensure designs meet operational requirements, schedules, and budget constraints.
• Apply continuous improvement and lean principles to enhance system reliability, performance, and serviceability.
• Support the service department by assisting with BOM creation, technical quotes, and upgrade recommendations.
• Assist the sales team with technical evaluations, quotations, and jobsite walkthroughs when required.

Required Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude is mandatory , including the ability to understand, troubleshoot, and improve mechanical systems such as pumps, conveyors, spray assemblies, and drive mechanisms.
• Proven experience with PLC programming, controls troubleshooting, and industrial automation systems .
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical prints, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and blueprints .
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar design software for both mechanical and electrical documentation.
• Experience working with electro-mechanical systems in industrial, manufacturing, or automated equipment environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in identifying mechanical failures that impact system performance.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across engineering, service, sales, and project teams.