Controls & Automation Engineer

Job Title : Controls & Automation EngineerLocation: Little Rock, AR AreaSalary: $105k-$135k DOERequirements: BS Degree in Electrical, Controls, Automation, or Engineering Technology and 5+ years in Controls and Automation Engineering | AS Degree or 10 years equivalent experience will be considered, PLC/HMI, PLC Programming, Allen Bradley, Industrial AutomationAbout the OpportunityAn Established industrial manufacturer is seeking a hands-on Controls & Automation Engineer to support plant operations, improve equipment reliability, and lead automation initiatives across the facility.This role offers a unique opportunity to combine day-to-day controls support with longer-term automation and continuous improvement projects. The successful candidate will serve as the plant's technical expert for PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls, and manufacturing automation systems.Position SummaryThe Controls & Automation Engineer will be responsible for troubleshooting and optimizing production equipment, programming and maintaining control systems, and identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing performance through automation. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys both hands-on work on the plant floor and engineering-driven process improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, and industrial control systems.Diagnose and resolve production downtime related to electrical controls and automation.Program, modify, and maintain PLC and HMI applications.Lead automation, controls modernization, and capital improvement projects.Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives.Identify and implement process improvements that increase safety, quality, throughput, and equipment reliability.Develop and maintain controls documentation, wiring diagrams, and system backups.Commission new equipment and support equipment installations.Collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, Production, and Operations teams.Perform root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.Support continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.Preferred Technical ExperienceAllen Bradley / Rockwell AutomationControlLogix and CompactLogixStudio 5000FactoryTalk ViewHMI DevelopmentIndustrial Networking (EtherNet/IP)Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)Motion ControlSensors and InstrumentationElectrical TroubleshootingSCADA SystemsRobotics and Automated Manufacturing Systems (preferred)QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical field preferred; AS degree and/or equivalent experience will be considered.5+ years of experience in Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or Industrial Controls.Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.Experience supporting manufacturing or industrial production environments.Ability to manage projects from concept through implementation.Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a self-driven engineer who can move seamlessly between troubleshooting production issues, programming PLCs, leading automation projects, and driving continuous improvement efforts. This individual will have a passion for manufacturing, equipment reliability, and leveraging technology to improve operational performance.BenefitsCompetitive salary and excellent benefits package100% company-paid health insurance401k: 100% match up to 8%Professional growth and development opportunitiesFamily-owned, non-corporate work environmentQuick decisions from debt-free, cash-run business