Controls Engineer

TRC Talent Solutions has partnered directly with the hiring leadership team of a global manufacturing organization to support the expansion of its brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Gainesville, GA. This organization is rapidly growing its automation team and is seeking both Junior and Senior Controls Engineers to support advanced manufacturing operations in a highly automated, recession-resistant industry.

Summary

The Controls Engineer will develop, program, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial control systems that support manufacturing operations. This role focuses exclusively on PLCs, automation, and controls—without robotics responsibilities—and serves as a key technical resource supporting manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, and IT teams. Opportunities are available for both experienced controls professionals and early-career engineers with hands-on PLC experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and optimize industrial control systems, automation processes, and maintenance procedures

• Create, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs, including ladder logic development from scratch

• Support Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and industrial automation initiatives

• Serve as a controls and automation SME for manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, and IT teams

• Read, interpret, and create electrical schematics and technical drawings

• Lead or support automation projects, equipment upgrades, and process improvements

• Manage project schedules, budgets, vendor coordination, and implementation activities

• Troubleshoot production equipment and perform root cause analysis

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency

• Support commissioning, startup, testing, and validation of automation systems

Requirements

• Junior Level: Internship, co-op, capstone, or early-career experience working with Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs

• Senior Level: 4.5+ years of dedicated controls engineering and PLC programming experience

• Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Siemens PLCs, and VFDs

• Proficiency with Studio 5000, RSLogix 5000/500, FactoryTalk View Studio, and Connected Components Workbench

• Experience with industrial troubleshooting and manufacturing automation systems

• Strong understanding of electrical drawings, controls architecture, and industrial automation

• Exceptional verbal communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Software Development, IT, or related field preferred

• Equivalent hands-on experience may be considered for highly qualified candidates