Controls Engineer

Controls EngineerThe Controls Engineer supports highly automated, high-volume manufacturing operations with a strong focus on PLC-based control systems, robotics integration, and equipment reliability. In this role, you partner closely with manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams to support production, troubleshoot complex controls issues, and drive continuous improvement across the plant. You work in a modern, heavily automated environment where your skills in controls engineering directly influence uptime, throughput, and safety.ResponsibilitiesSupport and improve automated manufacturing systems in a high-volume production environment, ensuring consistent throughput and equipment reliability.Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, robotics, and industrial network issues that impact production, working in live manufacturing conditions to restore operations safely and quickly.Support new equipment installations, upgrades, and system modifications, including commissioning, programming, and integration into existing systems.Analyze production and fault data to identify root causes of downtime or quality issues and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.Maintain controls documentation, standards, and backups, ensuring programs, configurations, and network settings are current and properly archived.Partner with cross-functional teams in manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering to improve system stability, uptime, and safety performance.Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation reliability, process optimization, and reduction of unplanned downtime.Apply strong troubleshooting skills in live production environments to diagnose electrical and controls issues under time-sensitive conditions.Ensure controls systems and modifications align with plant standards, safety requirements, and best practices for industrial automation.Essential SkillsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.Experience supporting automation in high-volume manufacturing operations.Hands-on experience with PLCs, including programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining PLC-based control systems.Hands-on experience with HMIs, including configuration, troubleshooting, and integration with PLCs and other controls hardware.Experience working with industrial networks in a manufacturing environment.Strong troubleshooting skills in live production environments, including the ability to diagnose issues quickly and safely under time pressure.Ability to support and improve automated manufacturing systems in a high-volume production setting.Willingness and ability to work all three shifts and weekends as required.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience working with robotics and robotic integration in automated manufacturing systems.Background in controls, electrical, and general engineering disciplines related to automation and industrial equipment.Experience with PLC programming and controls troubleshooting in complex, high-volume facilities.Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives focused on uptime, throughput, and system reliability.Interest in building a long-term career within a large original equipment manufacturer (OEM) manufacturing network.Desire to work in a highly automated, modernized plant environment with significant investment in controls, robotics, and advanced tooling.Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a large, high-volume automotive production and manufacturing facility that operates multiple shifts. Approximately 75% of your time is spent on the production floor and 25% in an engineering office environment. You work closely with automated equipment, PLC-based control systems, robotics, conveyors, and modern manufacturing technologies. The plant runs multiple shifts, and you must be open to all three shifts and weekends. Shifts include 1st shift (6:30 am–2:30 pm), 2nd shift (2:30 pm–10:30 pm), and 3rd shift (9:00 pm–6:30 am). Ideally, staffing covers each shift; if not, shifts may rotate approximately every 3–6 months. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times in production areas, including safety glasses, high-visibility vests, and arm covers. You will work within a large, established manufacturing site with thousands of employees, extensive automation, and continuous investment in modernization, providing exposure to complex systems and opportunities for professional growth.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wentzville, MO.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $35.00 - $42.00/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Wentzville, MO.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.