Controls Engineer

Controls EngineerPosition OverviewWe are seeking a Controls Engineer to design, develop, and support industrial automation systems for manufacturing machinery, with a focus on injection and blow molding equipment. The Controls Engineer will lead control system design, PLC programming, and control panel development to improve machine performance, reliability, and safety. This role requires hands-on troubleshooting, collaboration with mechanical and production teams, and ensuring systems are compliant with NFPA and industry electrical standards.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop control system architecture and detailed electrical schematics for machinery, including injection and blow molding lines.Design and build control panels, specifying power distribution (AC/DC), relays, PLCs, I/O, VFDs, servo drives, and motor protection.Program PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and others), write and optimize ladder logic and structured text, and maintain program documentation and revision control.Integrate motion control systems, servo drives, and VFDs for coordinated machine motion, tuning servo loops and ensuring smooth, repeatable motion profiles.Create and maintain electrical and control schematics using AutoCAD, Eplan, or similar tools; produce wiring diagrams and BOMs for manufacturing.Work with hydraulic and pneumatic system designers to define control interfaces, sensors, and actuators, and to implement safe control strategies.Commission and start up machinery on site, perform FATs/SATs, troubleshoot electrical/control issues, and implement robust corrective actions.Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical engineering, production, quality, and vendors) to support new product introductions and continuous improvement projects.Develop and implement control system safety interlocks and ensure compliance with NFPA, CE, and other applicable standards.Provide technical support to manufacturing for root cause analysis of downtime, implement firmware/logic updates, and train maintenance personnel on control systems.QualificationsBachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field, or equivalent experience.3+ years of experience in industrial controls engineering or automation within manufacturing environments; experience with injection molding and blow molding machinery strongly preferred.Proven ability to program PLCs (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell and Siemens preferred) and write/diagnose ladder logic and structured text.Experience with motion control, servo systems, VFDs, and motor sizing/tuning.Strong electrical design skills: control panel design, AC/DC power distribution, wiring practices, and circuit protection.Proficiency with electrical drawing tools such as AutoCAD and Eplan; ability to produce schematics and BOMs.Working knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic control components and their integration into control systems.Preferred: experience with industrial automation in manufacturing, familiarity with control system networking (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET), experience with PLC firmware version control, and knowledge of power distribution and panel layout standards.Benefits- Competitive pay with overtime opportunities - Travel reimbursement, per diem and company credit card- 401(k) company matching - Medical & Dental - PTO and Holiday - Amazing company culture