Automation Controls Specialist

Automation Controls Specialist

Location: Onsite Newton, NC

Reports To: Engineering Manager

Employment Status: Full Time

Travel: None

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (Occasional weekends/startups as required)

Pay: $80,000 to $85,000

Benefits: Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance; Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401K with matching.

Position Overview: If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges and bringing innovative automation solutions to life, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact! The Automation Controls Specialist is responsible for designing, programming, implementing, and improving PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and electrical control systems that support critical manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with engineering, maintenance, operations, and research teams to deliver safe, high-quality automation solutions, drive continuous improvement, and support equipment reliability. Success in this position requires strong collaboration, effective communication, and a passion for leveraging technology to improve performance across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Electrical Engineering and Automation

• Design electrical control systems, Programmable Logic Control (PLC) programming, and automation solutions that support safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations.

• Develop and integrate machine controls, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), motion-control systems, and manufacturing equipment to optimize performance and productivity.

• Analyze process and equipment data, identify root causes of operational issues, and implement control-system improvements that enhance safety, quality, and reliability.

• Collaborate with equipment suppliers, integrators, and internal stakeholders to establish technical requirements, validate system performance, and ensure successful project execution.

Instrumentation and Controls

• Develop and maintain instrumentation standards, specifications, and control strategies that ensure accurate, reliable, and compliant system performance.

• Troubleshoot electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.

• Manage automation program backups, version control, and system optimization to improve reliability, maintainability, and operational performance.

Equipment & Process Support

• Provide advanced automation and controls support for equipment startups, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives across production and R&D operations.

• Develop preventive maintenance strategies and support troubleshooting efforts to improve equipment reliability and performance.

• Partner with maintenance and production teams to diagnose complex electrical and controls issues, implement solutions, and ensure safe, effective operation.

• Lead controls-related project execution by defining technical requirements, coordinating contractors and resources, and verifying successful installation and system performance.

Documentation, Training & Projects

• Create and maintain electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation to support automation and controls systems.

• Lead automation and controls projects by defining scope, requirements, schedules, budgets, and technical solutions.

• Train and support maintenance and technical teams while managing electrical, instrumentation, and controls components to ensure system reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution; equivalent combinations of education, technical training, certifications, and directly related experience may be considered.

• Professional experience applying engineering principles to PLC programming, electrical control system design, industrial automation architecture, system integration, commissioning, and technical project leadership in a manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

This position primarily operates within a standard business office environment, with occasional work performed in warehouse, laboratory, and production areas. Employees may be exposed to moderate noise levels, fumes, dust, chemicals, temperature variations (heat/cold), and allergens, particularly when working outside the office setting.

Work may require moving between different areas of the facility to support manufacturing, testing, troubleshooting, or project activities. Conditions in these environments can vary based on production schedules, equipment operation, and material handling requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Gusmer Enterprises, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and supporting internal career growth. All qualified internal applicants will receive consideration consistent with company policies.