Controls Engineer

Job Description

Title: Controls Engineer

Comp: $80,000-$115,000

Location: Anderson, IN (Onsite)

Our client is seeking immediate assistance in identifying a candidate for a Controls Engineer direct hire position in the Anderson, IN area.

Responsibilities:
• Design and implement electrical, pneumatic, and software-based control systems for custom machine builds
• Develop automation and controls solutions for highly custom, one-off machinery from concept through commissioning
• Program PLCs, HMIs, and robotic systems, and support full machine software development from scratch or existing codebases
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, panel builders, sales, and customers to design and deliver complete machine systems
• Support machine build, integration, testing, validation, and final commissioning both in-house and at customer sites
• Estimate project scope, timelines, and costs while managing schedule, budget, and technical requirements
• Provide technical support to customers during installation, startup, and post-installation phases
• Manage multiple concurrent machine build projects (typically 1-2 projects lasting 4+ months each)
• Translate customer requirements into full machine design solutions including controls, mechanical integration, and automation systems
• Participate in full lifecycle machine development including design, procurement, programming, assembly, testing, and delivery
• Support troubleshooting and optimization of automated machinery including conveyors, robotics, and custom automation systems
• Occasionally travel (<10%) for commissioning, installation support, and customer visits

Required Skills (Must Have):
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Automation, or related field)
• 3-5+ years of experience in controls engineering or machine automation within a machine builder or OEM environment
• Experience with Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLC programming
• HMI development experience (FactoryTalk, Ignition, or similar platforms)
• Robotics experience (Fanuc or Epson preferred)
• Experience with pneumatics and industrial automation systems
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or similar for electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel design
• Ability to work in a custom machine build environment with evolving requirements and cross-functional collaboration
• Experience commissioning equipment both in-house and at customer sites
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• 3-5+ years of relevant controls or automation experience

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have):
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical blueprints and schematics
• Project management experience in machine build or automation projects
• Experience working in ISO-certified manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with ANSI, RIA, and other industrial automation safety standards
• Exposure to ASME or regulated manufacturing environments
• Strong communication skills with customers, sales teams, and engineering groups
• Experience in custom machine design/build environments (highly preferred)

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