Controls Engineer

About the Role

IES is seeking a controls engineer to join our industrial controls and systems integration team. You will design, program, test, and commission industrial control systems, with support from experienced engineers as you develop toward managing complete projects. Our projects include PLC and HMI systems, motor controls, industrial networks, robotics, and automated equipment across industries including manufacturing, automotive, pulp and paper, chemical, food and beverage, and wood products. We are looking for someone who takes pride in reliable, well-documented work, solves problems methodically, and communicates clearly with customers and coworkers.

Responsibilities

• Design and Programming
• Design electrical control panels and develop or modify electrical schematics and project documentation.
• Develop, test, and troubleshoot PLC programs and HMI applications.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks, VFDs, motor starters, and servo applications.
• Installation and Startup
• Support installation, I/O checkout, commissioning, and customer startup activities.
• Apply appropriate electrical and machine safety practices throughout design and field work.
• Manage assigned tasks and smaller projects, communicate progress, and identify issues early with support from senior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, automation, or a related engineering discipline, with professional experience in controls engineering.
• 3–5 years of controls engineering experience with hands-on PLC programming and industrial troubleshooting.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting PLC programs, HMI applications, and control system hardware.
• Working knowledge of industrial Ethernet networks, motor controls, variable frequency drives, and electrical components.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical drawings and troubleshoot systems using 480 VAC three-phase, 120 VAC, and 24 VDC power.
• Strong problem-solving skills, clear communication, and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks and learn new systems.

Preferred Skills

• Preferred experience: Rockwell Automation PLC and HMI platforms; GE/Emerson controls; EtherNet/IP and PROFINET; servo motion; machine safety; FANUC robotics; and systems integration across multiple customers or industries.

Required Skills

• Schedule and Travel
• Based at our Montgomery office and shop, with work at customer facilities as projects require.
• Approximately 25% travel. Installation and startup schedules may require overnight travel, extended hours, and weekend work.

Pay range and compensation package

• $90,000-$115,000 annual base salary, based on relevant experience and demonstrated capabilities.
• Additional pay at time and a half for designated project-related installation and startup overtime hours included in project budgets. Routine extended weekday hours are covered by the base salary.
• Medical and dental: IES pays 100% of employee-only premiums and 60% of premiums for spouse/dependent coverage. Coverage is available immediately for eligible employees.
• 401(k) with company match: 100% match on the first 3% contributed and 50% match on the next 2%, for a maximum company match of 4%. Eligibility begins after six months.
• Paid time off: Two weeks initially, with additional time based on length of service.
• 10 paid holidays annually.
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance: Employee coverage equal to twice annual salary.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Life, AD&D, and disability benefits are available after 90 days of continuous employment. Benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Why Join IES?

• Work alongside experienced engineers on a variety of industrial automation projects, with involvement from design through startup.
• Build your programming, design, and commissioning skills while taking on increasing project responsibility.