Controls Engineer
Location: Wilmington, NC
Job Type: Full-time, On-site
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
About Wilmington Machinery
Wilmington Machinery is a recognized leader in designing and manufacturing large-scale low-pressure injection molding (structural foam), injection molding, and blow molding machinery. We serve a global customer base and are dedicated to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to develop, program, and optimize electrical control systems for our machinery. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with mechanical and electrical engineering to deliver reliable, high-performance machines, ensure compliance with industry standards, and support manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities
• PLC & HMI Development – Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC and HMI systems using ladder logic and other industrial programming languages to ensure seamless machine control
• Electrical System Design – Design electrical control panels, select components, and create schematic drawings
• Machine Integration – Work closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to develop efficient hardware-software interfaces for large machines with significant hydraulic, pneumatic, and motion systems
• Safety & Compliance – Ensure designs meet industry safety standards, including NFPA 79 and applicable machine safety requirements
• Manufacturing Support – Assist manufacturing personnel in troubleshooting and resolving electrical and control system issues on the production floor
• Customer Requirements – Develop control solutions that meet customer specifications while ensuring manufacturability and long-term reliability
• Continuous Improvement – Implement innovative control strategies to improve machine performance, cycle time, and process consistency
• Technical Support – Provide expertise in diagnosing and resolving control system and electrical malfunctions
Qualifications & Skills
Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field preferred; strong candidates with an Associate’s degree and extensive relevant experience will be considered
Experience
• Minimum 5 years in a similar controls engineering role, preferably in industrial automation or custom machinery manufacturing
• Experience with plastics processing equipment or large primary processing machinery (injection molding, structural foam, or blow molding) strongly preferred
Technical Expertise
• Strong proficiency in ladder logic programming (Allen-Bradley preferred; Siemens experience a plus)
• Experience with HMI development and integration
• Solid knowledge of electrical wiring practices and machine tool control systems
• Understanding of AC/DC motors, power distribution, servo systems, VFDs, and industrial automation
• Familiarity with motion control and hydraulic/pneumatic system integration on large industrial machines
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software for electrical schematics
Soft Skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively in a cross-functional team
What We Offer
• Competitive pay with overtime opportunities
• Per diem, travel reimbursement, and company credit card
• 401(k) with company match
• Health and dental insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Tight-knit team culture with direct access to engineering and manufacturing
Additional Information
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check
• This is an on-site position in Wilmington, NC