Lead PLC/HMI Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Lead PLC/HMI Systems EngineerOwn the controls backbone of complex automation

• Impact: Be the technical cornerstone on multi‑million‑dollar automation programs, owning electrical design, PLC/HMI/robot code, motion solutions, and safety compliance.
• Autonomy: Execute projects independently across the full life cycle, from concept through design, build, debug, and runoff.
• Leadership: Mentor Levels 1‑3, guide interns and co‑ops, and set the bar for code quality, safety, and collaboration.
• Reporting: This position reports directly to the Director of Engineering.

What you will own

• Develop PLC programs in ladder and structured text, HMI interfaces, robot code, and simulations to hit cycle time, quality, and safety targets.
• Drive assigned scopes end‑to‑end, maintain task lists, track budgets, and support on‑site startup.
• Support multiple projects at once across design, build, debug, and runoff phases while staying responsive.
• Apply departmental coding and electrical standards; propose iterative improvements for Technical Lead review.
• Lead root‑cause investigations on complex debug issues and escalate appropriately.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Build, Electrical, and Project Management to align scope and resolve integration issues.
• Present technical details to customers, clarify specifications, and engage vendors for optimal component selection.
• Travel approximately 10%–20%.
• Champion Our Operating Principles: Actively embody our ten Operating Principles at Axis Automation.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, or related engineering field preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years in controls and automation with multiple full project life cycles delivered.

Technical toolkit

• Electrical and pneumatic schematic expertise and safety circuit design excellence.
• Advanced PLC development in ladder and structured text with strong execution and troubleshooting.
• Robotics programming on at least one major OEM; tuning paths and optimizing cycle time.
• Cell simulation skills to check collision risks, estimate cycle times, and correlate to shop‑floor performance.
• Motion control across VFDs, servos, and auxiliary robot axes.
• Safety validation for hard‑wired and programmable systems to RIA and ANSI standards.
• HMI design in platforms such as FactoryTalk View and Ignition.

How you work

• Mentor and lead: Provide informal leadership via code reviews and best‑practice coaching; may lead small project teams.
• Communicate clearly: Translate technical detail into actionable information for teams, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Solve with data: Recognized go‑to troubleshooter in wiring, controls theory, program execution, and robotics.
• Team first: Share knowledge, step in during crunch periods, and reinforce a culture of mutual support.
• Reliable delivery: Meet deadlines, provide thorough hand‑offs, and uphold quality and safety without close supervision.

Compensation and benefits

Estimated Total Compensation: $100,000-$125,000

Benefits: Axis offers a comprehensive benefits package to our employees with immediate eligibility upon hire.

Proficiencies

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Electrical Schematics
• Troubleshooting Skills
• Pneumatics Experience
• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
• PLC Programming Experience
• PLC Wiring Experience
• Pneumatics Troubleshooting

Machines and technologies

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
• HMI
• Servo Motors