Automation Controls Engineer
About the Company
We are a leading manufacturer of miniature, precision fluid control components serving the aerospace, medical/scientific, oil tool, and automotive industries. Our success is driven by advanced automation, innovation, and continuous improvement in manufacturing.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Automation Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, commissioning, and continuous improvement of automated assembly and test systems. This role is heavily focused on PLC programming, robotics integration, HMI/SCADA development, and system debugging in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
The ideal candidate is hands-on, technically strong in Allen-Bradley PLCs, robotics, and vision systems, and thrives in both new equipment development and production support.
Key Responsibilities
New Equipment – In-House Development
- Design, program, debug, and commission automated manufacturing systems.
- Develop PLC programs using Allen-Bradley CompactLogix (Ladder Logic).
- Create and maintain intuitive HMI interfaces using Ignition on panel PCs.
- Develop P&IDs and electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical (EPLAN experience a plus).
- Integrate and program:
- Industrial robots (Epson, UR Cobots)
- Servo and stepper systems (SMC, Exlar)
- Vision systems (Cognex In-Sight, Keyence)
- Asyril smart feeders
- Conveyors, sensors, and pneumatic systems
- Support machine build, debug, testing, and validation activities.
- Manage electrical and controls changes during equipment builds.
New Equipment – External Vendors
- Partner with automation vendors during design and build phases.
- Review electrical and controls designs for compliance with company standards.
- Develop and execute acceptance testing procedures.
- Verify PLC, HMI, alarm systems, and safety performance.
- Maintain preferred component standards and best practices.
Existing Equipment & Continuous Improvement
- Modify PLC/HMI programs and hardware to improve reliability and throughput.
- Troubleshoot production equipment and minimize downtime.
- Support new process integration and product launches.
- Serve as technical expert on installed automation systems.
- Participate in validation and quality studies (Gage R&R, Process Capability).
Technical Environment
- PLCs: Allen-Bradley CompactLogix
- HMI/SCADA: Ignition (Panel PC-based HMIs)
- Robotics: Epson, UR Cobots
- Vision: Cognex In-Sight, Keyence
- Motion: SMC, Exlar (Servo/Stepper)
- Databases: Microsoft SQL Server (recipes and production data)
- CAD: AutoCAD Electrical (EPLAN exposure preferred)
- Feeders: Asyril Smart Feeders
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
- Strong PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley CompactLogix (from blank projects).
- Solid understanding of industrial I/O systems (Digital, Analog, Ethernet/IP, Fieldbus, Serial).
- Experience implementing machine safety systems (E-Stops, safety relays, scanners, interlocks).
- Hands-on experience with robotics programming and integration.
- HMI and SCADA development experience (Ignition preferred).
- Experience with SQL databases and machine data integration.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical for control panel and field wiring schematics.
- Experience with industrial vision systems (Cognex/Keyence).
- Strong debugging, testing, and commissioning skills.
- Experience with automated part feeding systems.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with EPLAN
- Advanced SCADA system integration
- Manufacturing data collection and reporting
- High-volume automated assembly systems
- Medical, aerospace, or precision manufacturing environments
Why Join Us
- Work on cutting-edge automation systems
- High-impact role supporting advanced manufacturing
- Strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement
- Stable, growth-oriented organization
- Opportunity to own projects from concept to production
