Senior Controls Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to join a growing manufacturing and automation team. This position will play a key role in the design, development, integration, and improvement of automated and robotic systems.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical controls design, PLC programming, HMI development, robotics, machine vision, and industrial automation. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced controls professional who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges and working closely with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and integrate electrical control systems for automated manufacturing equipment.

• Develop and troubleshoot PLC programs using platforms such as Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Mitsubishi.

• Design and develop HMI applications for automated equipment and production systems.

• Support robotic system integration and automated machinery development.

• Develop and analyze system requirements to ensure equipment meets customer and production needs.

• Integrate and troubleshoot machine vision inspection systems, including Keyence and Cognex.

• Design and troubleshoot industrial communication networks and fieldbus architectures, including EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link, and Modbus.

• Develop and maintain machine safety and control systems in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.

• Participate in new product development, equipment design, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Troubleshoot electrical and controls-related issues during equipment commissioning, testing, and production.

• Work closely with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, production, and other departments to develop and implement solutions.

• Provide technical support during equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

• Lead or contribute to engineering projects from initial concept through implementation.

• Create and maintain electrical schematics, control documentation, programming standards, and engineering documentation.

• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, and overall system performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

• 5+ years of controls engineering or industrial automation experience.

• Strong experience with PLC programming and controls system design.

• Experience with multiple PLC platforms, including Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi.

• Experience developing and troubleshooting HMI systems.

• Knowledge of robotics and automated system integration.

• Experience with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link, and Modbus.

• Experience with machine vision systems, preferably Keyence and/or Cognex.

• Understanding of machine safety systems and regulatory compliance.

• Strong electrical troubleshooting and controls design skills.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and engineering drawings.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with new product development.

• Experience with continuous improvement initiatives.

• Knowledge of SolidWorks and mechanical/electrical design.

• Mechanical fabrication experience or strong understanding of mechanical systems.

• Experience working in a manufacturing, machinery, automation, or robotic integration environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.