Automation Controls Engineer

AeroSpec, Inc.; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Annual performance bonuses

Generous paid time off

Job summary

AeroSpec, Inc. is looking for a driven Automation Controls Engineer in Chandler, Arizona to design and develop automation solutions. You will work on PLC-based control systems and industrial robotics, leading software development and integrating complex systems.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, at least five years of experience, and advanced skills in PLC programming and robotics. AeroSpec offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Controls or Robotics Engineering.
• Advanced skills in programming industrial control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design control systems and lead software development.
• Program and debug PLCs with Allen-Bradley standards.
• Integrate robotics and machine vision systems.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics programming

Machine vision integration

HMI development

System integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (B.S.E.)

Tools

Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000

Ignition

Cognex VisionPro

Ethernet/IP

Job description

Are you a driven Automation Controls Engineer with hands‑on experience in PLC‑based control systems or industrial robotics? Do you thrive on developing sophisticated automation solutions that integrate PLC's, PC's, machine vision, robotics, lasers, advanced metrology systems, and more? If so, AeroSpec invites you to take the next step in your career. Join the largest automation system developer in the Southwest and be part of a team that's redefining what's possible in advanced manufacturing.

Essential Functions

• Design and develop control systems: lead the software design and development for custom automated assembly and test equipment, from concept through customer acceptance, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and a high‑tech customer base.
• PLC programming: architect, write, simulate, and debug structured, modular, well‑documented ladder logic for Allen‑Bradley PLC's in accordance with AeroSpec’s industry‑leading standards, prioritizing quality, maintainability, and long‑term system reliability over “box‑checking.”
• HMI development: create intuitive and efficient operator interfaces using Allen‑Bradley FactoryTalk and Inductive Automation’s Ignition platforms.
• Robotics integration: program, simulate, and deploy a range of Fanuc robots—from compact SCARA models to high‑payload (up to 1000 kg) 6‑axis articulated systems—to perform complex automation tasks.
• Machine vision systems: develop and integrate advanced machine vision solutions using Keyence, Cognex In‑Sight, and Cognex VisionPro technologies for inspection, alignment, and guidance applications.
• System commissioning: lead the commissioning and debugging of prototype systems incorporating diverse automation technologies including motion control, robotics, I/O, HMI's, lasers, conveyors, feeders, and precision process systems.
• Customer support & deployment: support validation, final acceptance, and global deployment of automation systems, providing occasional long‑term remote and onsite support to ensure successful integration and operation at customer facilities.

Why Join AeroSpec?

• Industry‑leading training & development—hands‑on training in PLC programming, robotics, and machine vision with opportunities to expand into PC‑based (.NET) automation software.
• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits—medical, dental, vision, and a range of voluntary options.
• Retirement support—401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
• Performance‑based bonuses—annual profitability bonuses rewarding contributions to team and company success.
• Career advancement—continuous training, tuition reimbursement, and a clear path for professional growth and promotion.
• Generous time off—a competitive paid time‑off package supporting work‑life balance.
• Long‑term stability—join a highly stable, privately‑held company with over 40 years of success and continued growth in advanced automation systems.

Requirements

• Education—Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (B.S.E.) with a focus in Controls, Computer Control Systems, Mechatronics, Automation, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience—minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience as a Controls or Robotics Engineer, working with automation or electromechanical systems in industrial environments.
• Technical proficiency—advanced skills in programming industrial control systems (Allen‑Bradley RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000), HMI/GUI development (AB PanelView, Ignition), industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, Profinet, safety‑rated fieldbus networks), and a strong background in multi‑station PLC programming and system integration.
• Automation expertise—broad exposure to factory automation and production systems; robotics programming experience across Cartesian, SCARA, and articulated systems (Fanuc, Denso, ABB).
• Vision system experience—proficient with machine vision technologies including Cognex, Keyence, and Fanuc vision systems.
• Systems integration skills—strong understanding of electromechanical and mechatronic systems, familiarity with electrical codes and industrial safety standards.
• Work environment—on‑site, in‑person role requiring direct collaboration with engineering and production teams.

About AeroSpec

AeroSpec is a leader in design‑engineer‑build solutions for manufacturing, creating custom equipment for cutting‑edge products in a connected world. The company develops a wide range of automation technology and solves diverse manufacturing challenges for clients across industries.