Controls Engineer

About the company:

The company is a German non-ferrous wire & cable drawing machinery manufacturer for the wire and cable industries located in Swedesboro, NJ (greater Philadelphia). We are seeking a Controls Engineer with a strong background in electrical engineering and automation systems to support the design and development of their equipment.

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer is a hands-on technical role responsible for the design, programming, and implementation of control systems and electrical switchgear for coilers and wire drawing lines. This individual will actively contribute to engineering projects, support troubleshooting in the field, and ensure the successful testing and commissioning of equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems and electrical architectures for coiling equipment and wire drawing lines.
• Program PLCs and HMIs primarily using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell platforms.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical and support mechanical design collaboration with SolidWorks.
• Support troubleshooting, diagnostics, and issue resolution both in-house and in the field.
• Participate in system testing, validation, and final acceptance of electrical switchgear.
• Implement design changes based on production and customer requirements.
• Maintain and update product design documentation (electrical and mechanical).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, manufacturing, and service teams to support project execution.
• Assist in continuous improvement of engineering designs, processes, and standards.

Experience & Technical Requirements

Strong programming experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell automation products.

Experience with two or more of the following platforms:

• Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500/5000
• FactoryTalk View / RSView
• Siemens Step 7
• Siemens TIA Portal
• Other platforms such as B&R, Direct Logic, or DirectSoft (plus)

Knowledge of industrial communication protocols:

• Profinet, Ethernet/IP, DH+, DH485
• Experience with drive systems and motion control, including:
• Siemens, Yaskawa, ABB, Lenze, Rockwell, Parker SSD (Eurotherm), Control Techniques
• Strong understanding of motors (AC induction, servo, torque)
• Ability to design electrical control circuits and integrate with mechanical systems

Knowledge of applicable standards:

• NEC/CSA, UL508A, NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 79, NFPA 70E
• Proficiency in:
• o AutoCAD Electrical
• o SolidWorks (collaborative level)
• Basic knowledge of metallurgy and metal forming processes is a plus
• Understanding of cost considerations in engineering design

Education

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Drives, or related field
• OR Min 3 years of relevant hands-on experience in controls engineering
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems (SAP preferred)
• Comfortable working across multiple engineering and business software platforms

What We offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Paid vacation
• Opportunity to work in a growing, specialized manufacturing environment
• Training in non-ferrous wire processing technologies (wire drawing, annealing, plating, stranding, etc.), including potential training with the parent company in Germany