Controls Engineer

Trueline, a major manufacturer, is seeking a
Controls Engineer
to join its engineering team in Erie, PA. This is an onsite engineering role responsible for the controls and automation behind a large-scale manufacturing operation, including PLC programming, troubleshooting, system integration, commissioning, and continuous improvement.
You'll work directly with production equipment and cross-functional engineering teams to solve real-time manufacturing problems while also bringing new equipment and technologies online. It's a strong opportunity for a controls engineer who wants both hands-on troubleshooting and meaningful ownership of plant automation improvements.
What You'll Do as the Controls Engineer:
Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based industrial control systems
Support automation across complex manufacturing equipment and production processes
Integrate sensors, actuators, controls, and other field devices into automated systems
Diagnose controls and automation problems that impact equipment uptime, reliability, quality, or production
Test, validate, and commission new or modified control systems
Support installation and startup of new manufacturing equipment and technology
Maintain electrical schematics, PLC logic, control documentation, and system configurations
Interpret equipment specifications and translate them into practical operating and controls requirements
Partner with Process Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and equipment vendors to solve technical issues
Evaluate new controls and automation technologies that can improve manufacturing capability
Support new product and process introductions from an automation and manufacturability perspective
Drive continuous improvement in equipment reliability, system performance, and manufacturing efficiency
Ensure controls and electrical work meets applicable safety standards, codes, and plant requirements
Manage multiple automation and controls projects simultaneously
Must-Haves as the Controls Engineer:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related technical field
3-5+ years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience
Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable industrial PLC platforms
Ability to diagnose controls problems directly at production equipment
Experience integrating industrial sensors, actuators, and control devices
Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs
Experience testing, validating, and commissioning control systems
Strong troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving skills
Ability to manage several projects and competing plant priorities simultaneously
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with engineering, operations, maintenance, vendors, and technicians
Working knowledge of industrial safety and compliance requirements
Nice-to-Haves as the Controls Engineer:
Advanced Allen-Bradley controls experience
Siemens experience
Robotics programming or integration experience
CNC or machining automation experience
Experience with forging, metal forming, heat treatment, coating, or similar manufacturing equipment
Automotive or commercial vehicle manufacturing experience
Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience
Previous experience in a union manufacturing environment
We Offer:
Base salary of $100,000-$115,000 annually, depending on experience
Opportunity to own automation and controls work across a sophisticated manufacturing operation
Hands-on involvement in both existing equipment improvement and new technology implementation
Significant exposure to manufacturing equipment, robotics, PLCs, machining, and automation
Medical coverage with PPO and HSA-compatible plan options
Dental and vision coverage
Company HSA contributions and additional matching opportunity for eligible plan participants
401(k) with company matching opportunity
Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance
Company-paid disability benefits for eligible employees
Employee Assistance Program and financial wellness resources
Participation in the company's employee ownership program at no personal cost
Opportunity to join an operation investing in automation, manufacturing technology, and future production capability
Trueline is an unabashed equal-opportunity employers committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome smart and ambitious applicants and recruit, refer, hire, place, and promote without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.