Automation Controls Engineer

Dreams 2 Reality Recruitment; Cedar City (UT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Dreams 2 Reality Recruitment is seeking an experienced Automation Controls Engineer in Utah to design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based systems for automated manufacturing equipment. The role covers sensors, HMIs, robotics, and smart factory technologies to maximize uptime, efficiency, reliability, and product quality.

Ideal candidates will have hands-on PLC programming expertise, strong problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration across engineering, production, quality, and

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with industrial automation and controls.
• Strong PLC programming and debugging skills.
• Ability to diagnose complex control-system issues and implement corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, troubleshoot, modify, and maintain PLC-based control systems for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Program and debug PLC applications and support integration of sensors, actuators, HMIs, robotics and other control devices.
• Assist with installation, startup, commissioning, and validation of automated production equipment.
• Diagnose equipment failures and implement reliable corrective solutions.
• Maintain and improve control-system functionality to support safe production.
• Analyze automation failures to identify root causes and implement preventive actions.
• Support MES integration, data collection, and system communication.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Production, Quality, Maintenance and external vendors.
• Ensure safety standards and regulatory compliance in control systems.

Skills

PLC programming

LS ELECTRIC

Industrial automation

HMI

Robotics

Sensors

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Automation Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, troubleshooting, commissioning, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems. This role is responsible for maintaining and improving PLC-controlled equipment, robotics, sensors, HMIs, and Smart Factory technologies to maximize equipment uptime, production efficiency, system reliability, and product quality.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver with strong PLC and industrial automation experience who can diagnose complex control-system issues, implement effective corrective actions, and collaborate across engineering, production, quality, and external vendor teams.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Control Systems

• Design, develop, troubleshoot, modify, and maintain PLC-based control systems for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Program and debug PLC applications, with LS ELECTRIC experience preferred.
• Support the integration, configuration, and operation of sensors, actuators, HMIs, robotics, and other industrial control devices.
• Assist with the installation, startup, setup, commissioning, and validation of automated production equipment.
• Diagnose electrical and controls-related equipment failures and implement reliable corrective solutions.
• Maintain and improve control-system functionality to support safe and consistent production.

Production System Optimization

• Analyze automation and equipment failures to determine root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Optimize automated systems to improve equipment stability, cycle time, throughput, and overall reliability.
• Support initiatives designed to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through controls and automation enhancements.
• Identify opportunities for process automation, equipment upgrades, and system improvements.
• Evaluate existing automation processes and recommend improvements that increase productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.

Smart Factory & MES Support

• Support Smart Factory and digital manufacturing initiatives throughout the production environment.
• Assist with Manufacturing Execution System (MES) integration, data collection, equipment connectivity, and system communication.
• Support real-time production monitoring and the flow of automation and equipment data.
• Help troubleshoot connectivity and communication issues between manufacturing equipment, controls, MES, and other digital systems.
• Contribute to the implementation and continuous improvement of connected manufacturing technologies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and other cross-functional teams to resolve manufacturing and equipment issues.
• Provide controls and automation expertise during production troubleshooting and improvement activities.
• Work closely with production teams to identify recurring equipment issues and develop sustainable solutions.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, automation vendors, and external suppliers when specialized support is required.
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project status effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure electrical, automation, and control systems operate in compliance with applicable safety standards, regulations, and company requirements.
• Identify potential automation-related hazards and implement measures to eliminate or reduce risk.
• Support safe installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and operation of automated production equipment.
• Promote a strong culture of safety throughout all controls and automation activities.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have strong hands-on experience with industrial automation and controls and the ability to troubleshoot complex manufacturing systems in a fast-paced production environment. Strong PLC programming and debugging skills, analytical problem-solving ability, and effective cross-functional communication are essential to success in this role.