Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

• Mechanical Design
  • Design mechanical components, assemblies, frames, mechanisms, pneumatic/hydraulic systems as required.
  • Generate detailed drawings, 3D models (e.g. SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.), select materials, finishes, and manufacturing methods.
  • Perform mechanical stress/thermal/kinematic analyses as needed.
• Controls / Automation Design
  • Specify, design, program, configure, test, and commission control systems (PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, drives, etc.).
  • Develop control logic, interlocks, safety features.
  • Integrate mechanical components with control systems (e.g. feedback loops, motion control).
• Installation, Commissioning & Testing 
  • Oversee or perform machine build, wiring, panel design and assembly, installation on-site.
  • Conduct machine start-ups, commissioning, debug mechanical and control issues.
  • Test machines for performance, safety, compliance; debug and optimize.
• Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Improvement
  • Diagnose mechanical and control-related problems in production equipment.
  • Work with maintenance teams to reduce downtime, improve reliability.
  • Lead continuous improvement projects (e.g. reduce cycle time, energy usage, improve quality).
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Create and maintain documentation: mechanical drawings, control schematics, electrical wiring diagrams, user manuals, programming documentation.
  • Ensure designs meet relevant safety, electrical, mechanical codes and standards.
  • Support regulatory compliance and risk assessments (e.g. guarding, emergency stops, interlocks).
• Collaboration & Project Management
  • Work with project managers to estimate costs, schedule work, define deliverables.
  • Coordinate with vendors for components (electrical, mechanical) and evaluate vendor offerings.
  • Communicate with other engineering disciplines (electrical, software), production, quality, and maintenance.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls/Automation, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience: Typically 3-7 years of experience in mechanical design + control systems, ideally in manufacturing or packaging machinery.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) for mechanical design.
  • Strong PLC programming and debugging experience (e.g. Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.).
  • Understanding of motion control, sensors, drives/VFDs.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings.
  • Knowledge of safety standards (e.g. OSHA, NFPA, relevant local & industry standards).
• Desired Skills & Attributes:
  • Strong problem‐solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Good communication skills, able to work cross‐departmentally.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines.
  • Practical, hands‐on mindset; comfortable working both at desk (design) and shop/field (commissioning, troubleshooting).
• Optional / Nice to Have:
  • Experience with robotics, vision systems.
  • Familiarity with SCADA / networked control systems.
  • Experience with predictive maintenance, data analytics.

• May require travel to customer / installation sites.
• On-site work in production / machinery shop, occasionally lifting/moving heavy components, climbing, working at heights or in confined spaces as required.
• Standard hours, but possible overtime for project deadlines or emergency repairs.

• Machine uptime / reliability improvements.
• Successful completion of design & control projects on time and within budget.
• Reduction in mechanical or control failures / breakdowns.
• Improvements in cycle time, throughput, efficiency.
• Safety compliance, incident rates related to design & controls.