Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Controls Engineer is responsible for programming, configuring, troubleshooting, and optimizing industrial machinery and automated equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production. This role partners closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and Quality teams to improve machine performance, reduce downtime, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

· Program, modify, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, and related automation systems.

· Develop and optimize machine logic to improve throughput, efficiency, and product quality.

· Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical, control, and software issues on production equipment.

· Support new equipment installations, upgrades, and commissioning.

· Collaborate with Maintenance and Operations teams to resolve recurring machine issues.

· Create and maintain technical documentation, including logic diagrams, change logs, and operating instructions.

· Ensure all programming and modifications comply with safety standards and company policies.

· Support continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and automation initiatives.

· Assist with operator and maintenance training related to equipment functionality and controls.

· Provide on-call or off-shift support as needed for critical equipment issues.

· Align new equipment as well as assist in keeping old equipment aligned as needed.

Education and/or Experience:

· Associate’s degree or higher in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

· 5+ years of experience programming industrial machinery or automated equipment.

· Hands-on experience with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar).

· Experience with HMIs, sensors, VFDs, servos, and industrial networking.

· Strong troubleshooting skills in a manufacturing environment.

· Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control diagrams.

· Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.

Other Skills and Abilities:

· Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.

· Familiarity with robotics, vision systems, or advanced motion control.

· Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

· Experience supporting multiple facilities or production lines.

· Good quality aptitude and troubleshooting ability.

· Perform any and all duties as directed by the manager

· Roll to Roll Programming experience preferred - including but not limited to paper, plastics, coating, etc...

· Excellent communication skills and be able to work well in a fast-passed team environment.

· Self-motivated and interested in learning additional processes.

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to work on the production floor in a manufacturing environment.

· Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb as needed.

· Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.

· Willingness to work off-shift hours as required to support production needs.

Success Metrics

• Reduction in machine downtime and programming-related failures.
• Improved equipment efficiency and throughput.
• Successful implementation of new equipment and automation upgrades.
• Positive collaboration and support of Operations and Maintenance teams.