Controls Engineer (PLC/Automation) – Contract | Tonawanda, NY (Onsite)
Location: Onsite in Tonawanda, NY
Schedule: 1st, 2nd, 3rd options
Type: W2 Contract (52 weeks) (Full-Time conversion considered after 6 months)
Overtime: ~10+ hrs/week (50 hrs/week typical)
Travel: Up to 20% (occasional support trips to Michigan)
Pay: $51-$54.41 / hour
~Visa sponsorship not available~
About The Role
We are hiring Controls Engineers to support a high-volume manufacturing plant producing engines for major vehicle platforms, including Corvette. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role focused on maintaining and improving automation systems to support production.
This role offers strong long-term potential, including possible conversion to a full-time employee after ~6 months.
Schedule & Work Environment
Shift options:
1st: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
2nd: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
3rd: 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM
Assigned to one shift (not rotating, but MUST be available to work any shift in case someone is unavailable)
2–3 weekend shifts per month (including holidays)
Onsite, 5 days/week (no remote)
Fast-paced manufacturing floor environment
What You’ll Do
Support production by troubleshooting and maintaining automation systems
Diagnose and resolve issues with PLCs, robotics, and control systems
Read and troubleshoot electrical schematics and machine control circuits
Participate in shift hand-off meetings and track priority issues
Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams
Support continuous improvement and automation projects
Top Required Skills
Experience working on the manufacturing floor, on your feet most of the day
Machine controls experience (Robotics, test systems, PLC, instrumentation, vision systems)
Preferred Experience
Automotive or high-volume manufacturing
Robotics (Fanuc preferred)
Industrial networks (EtherNet/IP)
Servo drives, motion control, VFDs
Vision systems (Matrox, Cognex, Dalsa)
HMI systems, automation controls
Qualifications
2–3 years relevant experience (flexible for strong candidates)