Controls Engineer
Controls Engineer Controls Engineer Ashtabula, OH Salary - $130,000 - $150,000
Position Overview:
We are seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, commission and support control systems for heavy industrial and automotive manufacturing applications. The Controls Engineer will lead PLC and HMI development, robot integration, SCADA implementation and electrical schematic design to improve machine performance, reliability and safety. This role requires hands-on programming experience, strong troubleshooting ability, and a focus on continuous improvement in a production environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Design, program and debug PLC control systems using RSLogix/Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, Mitsubishi and other PLC platforms.
Develop and maintain ladder logic and structured control code for Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Rockwell and other PLCs.
Configure and program HMIs and SCADA systems (Wonderware, Rockwell View, FactoryTalk) to provide operators with clear, reliable interfaces and diagnostics.
Integrate industrial robots (ABB, Fanuc) into production cells, including safety interlocks, motion coordination and I/O mapping.
Support CNC/CAM and CNC programming efforts as they interface with automation systems and part production flows.
Create and update electrical schematics, panel layouts and CAD documentation for controls systems and installations.
Perform field commissioning, machine start-up, functional testing and on-site troubleshooting to achieve production readiness.
Implement and verify safety systems, conduct arc-flash awareness activities, and ensure compliance with NFPA 70E and other applicable safety standards.
Collaborate with mechanical, manufacturing and quality teams to drive continuous improvement, root cause analysis and production optimization.
Prepare and maintain accurate documentation including bills of materials, control narratives, test plans and as-built drawings.
Provide technical support and training to technicians, operators and maintenance staff to sustain system performance and uptime.
Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics or related field, or equivalent experience.3+ years of hands-on experience designing and implementing industrial control systems in heavy industrial or automotive manufacturing environments.
Proven programming experience with PLCs (Allen-Bradley/RSLogix, Siemens, Mitsubishi) and strong knowledge of ladder logic and structured text.
Experience with HMI and SCADA platforms such as Wonderware, Rockwell FactoryTalk and other operator interface tools.
Practical experience integrating and programming industrial robots (ABB, Fanuc) and coordinating robotic I/O and safety systems. Familiarity with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley and Siemens hardware, RSLogix, Studio 5000, TIA Portal and related toolsets.
Working knowledge of CAD for electrical schematics, panel design, and control system documentation.
Experience with CNC programming, CAM workflows and interfacing CNC machines to automation systems is a plus.
Strong troubleshooting skills in electrical, PLC and control system diagnostics and field commissioning experience.
Knowledge of arc-flash hazards and mitigation; certifications or training in NFPA 70E or equivalent preferred.
Excellent communication skills, ability to work cross-functionally, and willingness to travel to customer sites as needed.
Relevant certifications (Rockwell, Siemens, ABB/Fanuc robot certifications) are a plus.
Benefits: HealthDentalVision 401KBonusRelocation$130,000.00 - $150,000.00 Annually