920 - Automation and Controls Engineer

Spectra Gutter Systems; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectra Gutter Systems is looking for an Automation & Controls Engineer in Atlanta, Georgia. This role involves designing, programming, and maintaining industrial automation systems to enhance manufacturing efficiency and reliability.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and 3–7 years of experience in industrial automation. Key responsibilities include supporting continuous improvement initiatives and collaborating with production and maintenance teams to optimize equipment performance.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.
• Hands-on experience with troubleshooting industrial automation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain industrial automation and control systems.
• Optimize PLCs and HMIs for better efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing performance.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical troubleshooting

Automated manufacturing equipment

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Studio 5000/Allen-Bradley

Keyence PLCs

Weintek HMIs

SolidWorks Electrical

Job description

Overview

The Automation & Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, programming, implementing, troubleshooting, and maintaining industrial automation and control systems that support manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with engineering, production, and maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability, operational efficiency, system performance, and manufacturing uptime.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess strong hands‑on experience with PLC programming, HMI development, industrial control systems, electrical troubleshooting, and automated manufacturing equipment. This is a highly collaborative, plant‑focused engineering role supporting both new automation initiatives and ongoing operational performance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain industrial automation and process control systems.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, and related control systems.
• Perform end‑to‑end commissioning of industrial control panels and automation equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, electronic, and control system issues to minimize production downtime.
• Support and maintain manufacturing equipment, automated systems, and production line controls.
• Interpret, create, and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to improve manufacturing performance and equipment reliability.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, efficiency, throughput, and system optimization.
• Ensure automation systems comply with applicable safety, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Assist with equipment upgrades, system integrations, and automation modernization projects.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent combination of automation and controls experience required.
• 3–7 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing environments.
• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting and supporting industrial automation systems, manufacturing equipment, control systems, and production operations.
• Proficiency with PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial control system architecture; experience with Studio 5000/Allen‑Bradley and Keyence PLCs and Weintek HMIs preferred.
• Experience with industrial control panel design, wiring, and end‑to‑end commissioning.
• Experience performing load calculations and designing or troubleshooting safety circuits.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols, including Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus/TCP, and similar networks.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, and technical documentation.
• Experience with SolidWorks Electrical preferred.
• Experience with robotics and automated systems preferred.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.