Controls Engineer

Controls Project Engineer / Future Controls Manager

• Location: Neenah, WI
• Monday–Friday | Full Time
• Pay: $110,000 - $130,000
• Industry: Custom Machine Manufacturer

We are recruiting an experienced Controls Project Engineer for a custom machine manufacturer. This is a hands-on engineering role with a clear path into Controls Department Manager, combining PLC programming, controls project management, equipment startup, and future team leadership.

What You'll Do

• Manage controls projects from concept through manufacturing, testing, and startup.
• Program Rockwell ControlLogix and GuardLogix PLCs.
• Develop Studio 5000 HMI, Kinetix motion, servo, and drive systems.
• Develop control system solutions for custom automation and conveyor equipment.
• Create BOMs and provide direction for electrical schematics and panel layouts.
• Coordinate controls requirements with Mechanical Design and Electrical Assembly.
• Manage project scope, schedules, quality, and cost.
• Coordinate with Project Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and customers.
• Lead in-house equipment startups and support customer-site commissioning.
• Participate in FAT/VAT inspections.
• Develop equipment manuals and training documentation.
• Troubleshoot controls and field service issues.

Future Controls Manager Responsibilities

As you progress into department leadership, you will:

• Lead and assign work across Controls Engineering and Electrical Assembly.
• Provide technical direction and mentoring to engineers, designers, and technicians.
• Manage controls schedules, resources, budgets, and customer requirements.
• Coordinate engineering and assembly priorities with other departments.
• Support hiring, training, and employee development.
• Lead controls quality and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage supplier relationships and evaluate controls technology.
• Lead diagnosis and resolution of complex field service issues.
• Communicate technical information to customers and non-technical stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

• 5–10 years of controls engineering experience.
• Strong Rockwell ControlLogix and GuardLogix programming experience.
• Studio 5000 / HMI programming experience.
• Kinetix motion controllers, servo systems, and drives.
• Experience designing and implementing custom control systems.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and changing deadlines.
• Willingness to travel approximately 15–20% during the engineering phase.

Career Progression

This position is designed for an experienced Controls Engineer who wants to move into Controls Department Management. As you take on greater leadership responsibility, travel requirements are expected to decrease.

Apply

Contact Ryan Balsano at 773-747-7676 or ryan.balsano@axionrecruitment.com.

Commutable from: Neenah, Appleton, Menasha, Kaukauna, Oshkosh, Kimberly, Little Chute, Grand Chute, De Pere, Green Bay, Fond du Lac, and surrounding Fox Valley areas.

Relevant Job Titles: Controls Project Engineer, Controls Engineer, Senior Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Electrical Controls Engineer, Controls Engineering Manager, Controls Manager, Automation Manager.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the USA without current or future sponsorship.

Axion Recruitment is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy.

You should be proficient in:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Project Management
• PLC Programming Experience