Industrial Controls & Automation Engineer

Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire

Compensation: Starting at $70,000 annually (based on experience and technical background)

Position Overview

A manufacturing operation is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of automated production systems. This role combines hands-on troubleshooting with controls engineering and system optimization, working closely with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams.

The ideal candidate will have strong PLC programming experience, a solid understanding of industrial control systems, and the ability to identify and implement automation improvements in a production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Control System Support

• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs supporting manufacturing and process equipment.
• Troubleshoot automation systems, control hardware, instrumentation, and communication networks to minimize downtime.
• Support the performance and reliability of production equipment through effective control system management.
• Maintain and verify system backups to ensure operational continuity and disaster recovery readiness.
• Improve control strategies and system functionality to optimize equipment performance.

HMI & Operator Interface Development

• Design, update, and maintain HMI applications that improve operator interaction and system visibility.
• Enhance alarm management, system reporting, and diagnostic tools to support operational decision-making.
• Improve usability and functionality of operator interfaces through continuous refinement and feedback.

System Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze automation and production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Perform root cause investigations on recurring equipment or control system issues.
• Implement corrective actions that improve reliability, productivity, and process stability.
• Recommend and support modernization initiatives, equipment upgrades, and automation enhancements.
• Translate operational needs into practical automation and controls solutions.

Engineering Projects & Technical Support

• Assist with planning and execution of capital projects, system upgrades, shutdown activities, and equipment modifications.
• Support implementation of new automation technologies and control strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing processes and equipment performance.
• Participate in long-term automation planning and plant improvement initiatives.

Technologies & Systems

PLC Platforms

• Siemens S7 / TIA Portal
• Allen-Bradley
• GE RX3i
• Toshiba NV

HMI & SCADA Applications

• Ignition
• Cimplicity
• WinCC
• Rockwell Automation platforms

Industrial Communications & Data Systems

• Profibus
• Profinet
• Industrial networking protocols
• Data acquisition and performance monitoring systems
• Experience with IBA or PDA systems is beneficial

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of five years of experience supporting automation systems in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong experience programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing PLC-based control systems.
• Working knowledge of motors, drives, and AC/DC electrical control systems.
• Proficiency with ladder logic programming and industrial automation architectures.
• Experience managing technical projects from design through implementation.
• Ability to work effectively in both engineering office and manufacturing floor environments.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting heavy industrial, process manufacturing, or automated production operations.
• Familiarity with control system upgrades, modernization projects, and equipment integration.
• Exposure to advanced reporting, data collection, and industrial networking technologies.
• Experience improving system reliability, equipment uptime, and production performance through automation initiatives.

Work Environment

This position offers a blend of hands-on plant support and engineering-focused project work. The role requires regular interaction with manufacturing equipment and production personnel while also supporting system design, analysis, and improvement projects.

The organization promotes a collaborative culture focused on safety, operational excellence, technical innovation, and continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to expand their technical expertise through ongoing training, development opportunities, and career advancement pathways.