Controls/Automation Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Base up to

$125,000 for highly qualified candidates

Role Summary

You’ll design and deliver responsive control solutions across diverse machine applications. Using a common “toolbox” of components and patterns, you’ll take projects from customer discovery through PLC/HMI/Motion/Network programming , to validation and startup (typically day trips). Most projects complete in < 6 weeks , so you’ll see your work move from concept to production quickly. You’ll collaborate with a principal engineer, fellow engineers, drafters, PMs, and technicians—ideal for someone who takes pride in clean, well‑documented code and enjoys learning new tools.

What You’ll Do

• Lead full life‑cycle controls projects: discovery, architecture, I/O mapping, programming, bench test, FAT, on‑site startup.

• Program PLCs (IEC 61131‑3—Structured Text & Ladder), HMIs, motion/servo systems , and industrial networks.

• Build reusable libraries/toolbox components and maintain disciplined versioning and documentation.

• Integrate field devices (sensors, drives, pneumatics), tune motion, and validate machine safety per applicable standards.

• Travel for short startups/service (generally day trips; overall < 15%).

• Partner cross‑functionally to refine requirements, review schematics, and hand off to production and support.

What You’ll Bring (Core)

• Solid electronics fundamentals ; comfortable with a multimeter and tracing signals.

• Applied programming aptitude (clean style, basic algorithms/complexity, disciplined documentation).

• Proficiency in one or more languages: C/C++/C#/Python/Java/JavaScript/Ruby .

• Comfort with Linux/Windows command line , spreadsheets/data normalization, and Boolean logic.

• Problem‑isolation mindset, pragmatism (seek resolution over perfection), and clear communication with teams & customers.

• Willingness to write organized, well‑documented code and learn new stacks quickly.

Nice to Have (Preferred)

• PLC/HMI/Motion: IEC 61131‑3 (Structured Text & Ladder); CoDeSys/SoMachine on Schneider & Wago ; Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley ; Mitsubishi (FX/A/Q/iQ); HMI for Schneider (Proface), Red Lion, Mitsubishi, PanelView ; SoftMotion; servo systems.

• Standards & Schematics: ANSI Y32.2/IEEE & IEC electrical symbols; ANSI/ISA S5.1 P working knowledge of UL508A & NFPA 79 .

• Networks: Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, CANopen, J1939.

• Commissioning: Startup/troubleshooting of automation systems; calm, customer‑facing guidance.

• Broader tech: Databases; web/UI; embedded (PIC/Atmel) in C/C++; assembly; sockets; scripting/CLI automation; VMs/Docker/Kubernetes ; Linux build/config; Perl/PHP/regex; IT; REST/OAuth.

• Experience: 5+ years strongly preferred for immediate impact and top‑of‑band compensation.

Working Environment

• Primarily on‑site in Beaverton, OR ; fieldwork spans clean‑rooms to quarries to military sites.

• Travel is mostly within driving distance; startups are typically day trips and total travel is generally < 15% .

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Pay: Up to $125,000 for highly qualified candidates

• Benefits: Flexible schedule; paid vacation + additional PTO ; paid holidays; healthcare; specialty training and new skills development; and more.

Salary info:

$43.27 - $60.10 / hr