Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer

Job Type: Contract-to-Hire

Starting Salary: $70,000+ (Compensation may be higher based on experience.)

Position Overview

We are seeking an Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer to support and improve manufacturing operations through automation, electrical systems, and process optimization. This hands-on role combines office-based engineering with field support, giving you the opportunity to troubleshoot equipment, develop control solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across a high-volume industrial facility.

Working closely with production, maintenance, and leadership teams, you will help maintain reliable operations while implementing automation enhancements that improve safety, efficiency, and equipment performance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and support PLC programs used in manufacturing operations
• Program and maintain HMI applications to improve operator interface and equipment performance
• Troubleshoot automation, communication, instrumentation, electrical, and HMI-related issues
• Lead projects that improve automation reliability, equipment uptime, and manufacturing efficiency
• Partner with production and maintenance teams to identify opportunities for process improvements
• Analyze equipment performance data and recommend corrective actions to improve reliability
• Support equipment upgrades, installations, modifications, and modernization projects
• Improve alarm management and operator interface functionality
• Participate in failure analysis and root cause investigations involving automation systems
• Assist with maintenance planning, outage scheduling, and annual improvement initiatives
• Translate production and operator needs into practical automation solutions
• Perform software backups, system testing, and documentation updates

PLC & Automation Experience

Experience programming or supporting one or more of the following PLC platforms

• Allen-Bradley PLC
• Siemens S7 / TIA Portal
• GE Innovation Series Controllers
• GE RX3i Controllers
• Toshiba NV Controllers
• GE Genius Block I/O Networks

HMI Experience

Experience with one or more of the following HMI platforms

• Ignition
• GE Cimplicity
• WinCC
• Rockwell Automation HMI software

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience programming PLCs
• Strong knowledge of AC/DC electrical controls, motors, and variable frequency drives
• Experience developing PLC ladder logic using Rockwell and Siemens S7-1516
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols, including Profibus and Profinet
• Experience troubleshooting automation systems, PLCs, HMIs, communication networks, and industrial equipment
• Ability to manage electrical and automation projects from planning through implementation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with data acquisition software ( IBA/PDA preferred)
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with operators, maintenance personnel, engineers, and leadership
• Willingness to work both in an office environment and on the manufacturing floor

Preferred Experience

• Industrial manufacturing, metals, steel, or heavy manufacturing experience
• Experience with SCADA systems
• Knowledge of instrumentation, hydraulics, and pneumatics
• Experience supporting continuous improvement and equipment reliability initiatives

What We're Looking For

• Strong technical aptitude with a hands-on approach to solving equipment issues
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on safety, reliability, and operational excellence