Automation Control Engineer

MS Companies; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Full benefits

Clear career growth opportunities

Job summary

A confidential custom automation manufacturer in Columbus, IN is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, and deploy advanced automated systems. This hands-on position offers the chance to work across the full lifecycle of automation, ideal for those looking to build and launch systems from scratch. Candidates should have at least 1 year in controls engineering, PLC programming experience, and troubleshooting skills. Competitive compensation and benefits are provided in a collaborative, project-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in controls engineering or industrial automation.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Keyence, etc.).
• Experience with robotics or cobots (Fanuc, UR, Doosan, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Program and support PLCs, robotics, and vision systems for custom equipment.
• Design and support electrical systems (panels, circuits, wiring).
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues and implement fixes.

Skills

controls engineering or industrial automation

PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Keyence, etc.)

robotics or cobots (Fanuc, UR, Doosan, etc.)

vision systems (Keyence, Cognex, barcode readers, etc.)

electrical schematics interpretation

troubleshooting and problem-solving

manufacturing or automation environments

Tools

HMI / motion control systems

SQL Server / database integration

AutoCAD or electrical design tools

Job description

Location: Columbus, IN

Salary Range: $75,000 – $95,000

Job Summary:

We are supporting a confidential custom automation and industrial systems manufacturer seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, and deploy advanced automated equipment.

This is a hands‑on engineering role where you’ll work across the full lifecycle of automation systems — from PLC programming and electrical design to startup, commissioning, and customer delivery. This is not a maintenance role — it’s ideal for someone who wants to build, program, and launch systems from scratch in a project‑driven environment.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in controls engineering or industrial automation
• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming (Allen‑Bradley, Keyence, etc.)
• Experience with robotics or cobots (Fanuc, UR, Doosan, etc.)
• Experience with vision systems (Keyence, Cognex, barcode readers, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Experience working in manufacturing or automation environments
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship available)

Preferred Skills

• Experience with HMI / motion control systems
• Exposure to SQL Server / database integration
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or electrical design tools
• Experience supporting equipment startup, commissioning, or runoffs
• Comfortable supporting projects outside standard hours when needed

Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities

• Program and support PLCs, robotics, and vision systems for custom equipment
• Design and support electrical systems (panels, circuits, wiring)
• Support startup, commissioning, and customer acceptance testing
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues and implement fixes
• Assist with field wiring, debugging, and system validation
• Support project documentation and training materials
• Collaborate with engineering teams to bring systems into production
• Communicate technical updates with customers and internal teams
• Primarily onsite in a custom automation facility
• Some hands‑on work including lifting (30–50 lbs) and working on equipment
• Occasional support during installation/startup phases

Why This Role

• Work on custom, non‑repetitive automation projects (not the same line every day)
• Strong exposure to PLC + robotics + vision systems in one role
• Clear path for technical growth and skill expansion
• Collaborative engineering environment with real ownership
• Competitive compensation + full benefits

Interested?

Apply directly or message me for a confidential conversation.