Automation Controls Engineer

Gables Search Group; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Gables Search Group is seeking two Controls Engineers for a growing heavy‑duty truck engine manufacturing operation. The role covers ownership of electrical controls, PLCs, CNC systems, and capital projects, with a focus on Siemens controls knowledge.

Candidates with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering and hands‑on Siemens STEP 7 and TIA Portal experience will thrive. The position requires problem solving, strong cross‑functional communication, and willingness to work an evening shift.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in controls engineering for manufacturing or automated production equipment.
• Hands-on with Siemens STEP 7 and TIA Portal.
• Experience with Siemens CNC controls (Step-7 Powerline, Solutionline, or HMI Advanced).
• Ability to interpret electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting, project ownership, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Willingness to work an evening shift.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot Siemens PLC and CNC control systems.
• Diagnose equipment problems using ladder logic, function block diagrams, STL, and electrical schematics.
• Support automated machining equipment including Heller CNC and Liebherr gantry systems.
• Improve equipment uptime, reliability, productivity, and operating efficiency.
• Lead controls modifications, corrective actions, installations, and capital improvements.
• Coordinate projects with production, maintenance, engineering, IT, suppliers, contractors, and plant leadership.

Skills

Siemens STEP 7

TIA Portal

CNC controls

Ladder logic

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens STEP 7

TIA Portal

Heller CNC

Liebherr gantry systems

Job description

We are recruiting two Controls Engineers for a growing heavy-duty truck engine manufacturing operation. The company will consider candidates across a wide range of experience levels, including engineers with approximately one year of relevant experience who have strong Siemens controls knowledge.

This position supports automated machining operations and provides hands‑on ownership of electrical controls, PLCs, CNC systems, equipment improvements, and capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot Siemens PLC and CNC control systems.
• Diagnose equipment problems using ladder logic, function block diagrams, STL, and electrical schematics.
• Support automated machining equipment, including Heller CNC and Liebherr gantry systems.
• Improve equipment uptime, reliability, productivity, and operating efficiency.
• Lead controls modifications, corrective actions, installations, and capital improvements.
• Coordinate projects with production, maintenance, engineering, IT, suppliers, contractors, and plant leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related technical field.
• Controls engineering experience supporting manufacturing or automated production equipment.
• Hands‑on experience with Siemens STEP 7 and TIA Portal.
• Experience with Siemens CNC controls, including Step-7 Powerline, Solutionline, or HMI Advanced.
• Ability to interpret electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting, project ownership, and cross‑functional communication skills.
• Willingness to work an evening shift.

Experience with Profibus, ProfiSafe, FANUC robotics, Cognex machine vision, AutoCAD, Six Sigma, or capital projects is helpful.

Minimal travel is required. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and candidates with H-1B or TN status will be considered.