Automation and Controls Engineer

Franklin International; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a proactive Automation and Controls Engineer to enhance its internal automation team. This role focuses on optimizing manufacturing processes and implementing innovative control systems. The ideal candidate will thrive on problem-solving and take ownership of their projects, contributing to both daily production and long-term automation strategies. With a commitment to excellence, you will work with Rockwell-based systems to drive significant improvements in plant-wide automation. Join a collaborative environment that values your expertise and offers a family-friendly atmosphere with exceptional benefits.

Benefits

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance

On-site fitness center

Company paid short term disability

401(k) with matching

529 savings matching

Tuition assistance

Student Loan Repayment Assistance

Paid Holidays

Free Franklin Merchandise

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of experience in industrial automation and controls.
• Strong project ownership and independent problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize PLC programming using ladder logic.
• Lead or support the commissioning of new control systems.

Skills

PLC Programming

Ladder Logic

Function Block Diagrams

HMI/SCADA Systems

DCS Troubleshooting

Electrical Design

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering

Tools

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View SE/ME

FactoryTalk Batch

Job description

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Franklin International, a leading manufacturer of adhesives, coatings, and sealants is currently seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer. Franklin is expanding its internal automation and controls team to accelerate innovation, improve manufacturing efficiency, and build long-term technical capability. We are seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer who thrives on solving problems, improving systems, and taking ownership of their work.

This role is ideal for an engineer who prefers to address root causes instead of symptoms, seeks out opportunities to optimize rather than maintain the status quo, and wants to contribute meaningfully to both daily production and strategic automation initiatives. This position centers on Rockwell-based systems and plays a key role in plant-wide automation improvements, process control optimization, and production support.

Fundamental Job Tasks

1. Develop and optimize PLC programming using ladder logic and function block diagrams (FBDs) in Studio 5000
2. Design and deploy HMI/SCADA systems in FactoryTalk View SE/ME
3. Design and configure FactoryTalk Batch control systems consistent with ISA-88 standards (area models, phases, recipes, etc.)
4. Investigate and troubleshoot DCS issues, identify root causes, and implement robust, lasting solutions
5. Lead or support the commissioning and startup of new or modified control systems
6. Occasionally assist with electrical design, networking, or instrumentation-related tasks
7. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on DCS additions and process control improvements
8. Provide training and support for DCS users
9. Help establish and enforce programming standards and best practices
10. Contribute to long-term automation strategy and initiatives
11. Provide occasional after-hours support for 24/5 production operations
12. Infrequently plan and support DCS improvements on weekends when production is not running

Knowledge And Skills

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Computer Engineering
• 3–6 years of experience in industrial automation and controls

Technical

• Rockwell Platform proficiency including:
• Studio 5000
• FactoryTalk View SE/ME
• FactoryTalk Batch

Work Style & Character Traits

• Strong project ownership and independent problem-solving mindset
• Proven ability to identify and execute DCS improvements
• Works autonomously and collaborates effectively across departments

Nice-to-Have Experience

• PlantPAx
• Vision systems (e.g., barcode scanning, quality inspection)
• Packaging automation or downstream equipment integration
• PI Historian or other process historian and data visualization platforms
• SQL-based reporting
• Ignition by Inductive Automation
• Background in batch or chemical processing environments

About Us

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin International is among the largest privately held manufacturers of adhesives and sealants in the United States. We opened in 1935 as the Franklin Glue Company and today are known as Franklin International to reflect our global distribution across 60 countries on six continents around the globe. Our Construction Building Products division provides the Titebond brand of glues, adhesives and sealants for use in woodworking and all facets of residential and commercial construction. Franklin International employs over 400 people in its laboratory, R&D center, sales/marketing offices and manufacturing facility, all located at its corporate headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. We are an American family-owned, U.S.-based company and our products sold in the U.S. are made in America.

Franklin International is proud of our family-friendly atmosphere. We are small enough that people know your name, but big enough to have the resources available to do amazing things within our industry. Our award-winning benefits program includes a wide range of benefits from medical, dental, and vision insurance to more unique options like a free on-site fitness center, nurse health coach, 529 Plan matching, and adoption support. Our average employee tenure is over twelve years; learn more at www.FranklinInternational.com.

Other Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Life insurance
• On-site fitness center staffed by trainers
• Company paid short term disability
• 401(k) with matching
• 529 savings matching
• Tuition assistance
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Paid Holidays
• Free Franklin Merchandise

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Chemical Manufacturing

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