Controls Engineer – Plant & Equipment
Position Overview
Are you a hands-on Controls Engineer who enjoys solving real-world manufacturing challenges? This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of PLC controls, industrial automation, plant equipment, and electrical troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment.
You will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and equipment suppliers to improve equipment performance, increase reliability, and support ongoing automation and continuous improvement initiatives. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working directly with equipment and making a measurable impact on manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities
Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and motion controls.
Diagnose and resolve electrical and controls issues on manufacturing equipment.
Support new equipment installations, system upgrades, commissioning, and startup activities.
Improve equipment reliability, uptime, safety, and overall production efficiency.
Contribute to automation, Lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement projects.
Collaborate with equipment suppliers, system integrators, and internal engineering and maintenance teams.
Maintain and update electrical drawings, PLC/HMI programs, and controls documentation.
Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes through automation and controls enhancements.
Partner with cross-functional teams to minimize downtime and support production goals.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience in controls, automation, electrical engineering, or manufacturing engineering.
Hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
Experience working with HMIs, VFDs, sensors, motor controls, and industrial electrical systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause analysis skills.
Comfortable working directly with plant equipment and collaborating with maintenance and operations personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms, including Studio 5000, RSLogix, or FactoryTalk.
Experience with Siemens automation systems.
Familiarity with industrial robotics, motion control, and machine safety systems.
Experience supporting equipment commissioning, upgrades, and startup projects.
Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and equipment reliability practices.
What Makes This Opportunity Exciting?
Take ownership of critical plant controls and automation systems.
Work on hands-on technical challenges with a direct impact on manufacturing performance.
Collaborate with experienced professionals across engineering, maintenance, and operations.
Help drive equipment reliability, production efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Contribute to automation projects and the ongoing advancement of manufacturing technology.
Interested in Learning More?
If you're a hands-on Controls Engineer who enjoys troubleshooting, improving equipment performance, and developing automation solutions, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect with you.
Resumes can be confidentially sent to Thane Meiners with gpac. thane.meiners@gogpac.com
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.
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