Controls Engineer

Automation Engineer

Applies engineering principles and standard engineering techniques to design, develop, implement, troubleshoot, and maintain instrumentation, automation, and control systems used in manufacturing operations. Supports equipment reliability, process efficiency, safety, quality, and continuous improvement through effective application of PLC, HMI, and industrial control technologies.

Job Duties

Design, develop, and support automation of manufacturing processes through the use of instrumentation, electrical controls, and automation systems.

Develop new and modify existing PLC and HMI programs, applications, interfaces, and embedded control systems.

Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment and automated systems.

Diagnose electrical, controls, instrumentation, and automation-related equipment issues and implement appropriate solutions.

Participate in the installation, start-up, testing, and commissioning of new equipment and manufacturing systems.

Support upgrades and modifications to existing equipment, control systems, and manufacturing processes.

Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and recommend improvements to increase equipment reliability, efficiency, productivity, safety, and quality.

Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, Production, Quality, and EHS to resolve equipment and process issues.

Support continuous improvement initiatives related to equipment performance, downtime reduction, process control, and automation.

Develop and maintain control system documentation, electrical drawings, specifications, programs, operating procedures, and technical documentation.

Maintain appropriate backups and documentation of PLC, HMI, and control system programs.

Provide technical support and guidance to maintenance technicians and production personnel as needed.

Complete all required documentation fully, accurately and timely.

Adhere to 5S standards and maintain an organized work environment.

Follow all Safety, Environment, and Quality policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.

Typically requires 5–10 years of controls, automation, or manufacturing engineering experience.

Experience programming, troubleshooting, and modifying PLC and HMI systems.

Experience with industrial automation, instrumentation, electrical controls, sensors, motors, drives, and related manufacturing equipment.

Experience supporting equipment installation, start-up, troubleshooting, and commissioning.

Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, equipment manuals, and control system documentation.

Performs work under general supervision with the ability to independently handle moderately complex technical issues.

Escalates highly complex technical problems to appropriate resources when necessary.

Possesses solid working knowledge of controls engineering principles and manufacturing automation.

May provide technical guidance, coaching, or mentoring to technicians and other team members.

Competencies/ Skills

PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting

Industrial automation and control systems

Electrical and instrumentation troubleshooting

Strong technical and mechanical aptitude

Critical thinking and analytical skills

Root cause analysis and problem-solving skills

Strong mathematical and technical skills

Computer and engineering software proficiency

Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation

Project management and organizational skills

Intermediate to advanced written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

Strong attention to detail and documentation

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing environment