Controls Engineer

Job Description

Controls Engineer

Position Summary


We are seeking a Controls Engineer to join a growing engineering team responsible for designing, programming, and supporting industrial automation systems. This role will focus on PLC and HMI programming, electrical controls design, system integration, and commissioning automated equipment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver with experience developing control systems for manufacturing or industrial machinery.


Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and industrial control systems for automated equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or Mitsubishi.
• Develop HMI applications and operator interfaces.
• Design electrical control panels and create electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or similar software.
• Configure variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, sensors, and motion control components.
• Perform system integration, startup, testing, and commissioning of new equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical and automation issues to minimize downtime and improve equipment performance.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, project managers, and production teams throughout project execution.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve automation, safety, and efficiency.
• Prepare technical documentation, including wiring diagrams, bills of materials, operating manuals, and control narratives.
• Provide technical support for installed equipment and assist with customer training when necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of controls engineering or industrial automation experience preferred.
• Experience programming PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or similar).
• Experience developing HMI applications (FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition, or similar).
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, or DeviceNet.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics.
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives, sensors, and motor controls.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN is preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and project management abilities.
• Ability to travel occasionally for equipment startup, commissioning, or customer support, if required.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.