Controls Engineer

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-$57.27 / 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)
• High School diploma + hands-on experience OR
• Technical degree (Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, Engineering Tech) with co-op/internship experience