Automation Controls Engineer

The Lee Company; Essex (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid health insurance

Generous profit sharing

Full tuition reimbursement

Daycare subsidy

Job summary

A technology-focused engineering firm in Connecticut is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer. This role involves designing and supporting automated systems, with a focus on programming Allen-Bradley PLCs and ensuring machine safety. Candidates should hold a relevant bachelor's degree and have at least 5 years of experience in designing automated assembly and test equipment. The position offers opportunities for career growth along with comprehensive benefits such as health insurance and profit sharing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with automated assembly and test equipment design.
• Advanced skills programming Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLCs.
• Expertise in I/O interfacing types and machine safety design.

Responsibilities

• Interface with automation equipment across multiple project teams.
• Develop control systems for new machine designs.
• Create and deploy software on Allen-Bradley PLCs.

Skills

Programming Allen-Bradley PLCs

Machine safety implementation

Creating electrical schematics

CAD usage

HMI screen design

Sensor knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related engineering field

Tools

Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLCs

Ignition SCADA

MSSQL Server

Cognex

Keyence

Job description

The Automation Controls Engineer is integral to the design, commissioning, and continued support of automated assembly and test equipment. Ideal candidates will have a well‑rounded knowledge of the design of automated manufacturing systems and a strong ability to program Allen‑Bradley PLCs to interface with robots, servos, solenoid valves, vision systems, process control sensors, conveyors, and other components. Close attention to detail and drive to build on and improve existing systems is required as we develop new and innovative ways to accelerate our manufacturing capabilities.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience with the design, fabrication, and commissioning of automated assembly and test equipment, specifically in the discipline of electrical controls.
• An advanced level of skill programming Allen‑Bradley CompactLogix PLCs from blank projects in ladder logic.
• A well demonstrated knowledge of all I/O interfacing types (Digital, Analog, Fieldbus, Ethernet, Serial) and the evaluation and selection process for them.
• A high level of knowledge in implementing machine safety into the design of equipment by using emergency stops, interlocking doors, safety scanners, and safety relays.
• Wide reaching exposure to various sensors used in machine and process control.
• An advanced level of skill programming 6‑axis, collaborative, and SCARA industrial robots, specific experience with Epson, UR and/or Yamaha robots is a plus.
• Experience creating HMI screens that are easy to understand, aesthetically pleasing, and have intuitive navigation schemes.
• Knowledge of SCADA platforms such as Ignition.
• Experience with relational database systems such as MSSQL Server.
• A high level of proficiency in using CAD to create electrical schematics for industrial control panels and field wiring.
• Experience selecting and programing vision system components based on the application requirements, specific experience with Cognex and/or Keyence is a plus.
• Linear motion control experience using servo and stepper driven systems.
• A working knowledge of different part feeding methods, such as traditional bowl feeders and alternative flexible vibratory types.

Responsibilities:

The Automation Controls Engineer will interface with automation equipment and contribute to cross‑functional project teams in three key areas - New equipment developed on‑site, new equipment developed using outside resources, and the continuous improvement of existing equipment in production.

New equipment developed on‑site:

• Be on the forefront of new machine designs, working closely with the mechanical and other engineering teams to develop the controls systems that will bring the machines to life.
• Develop Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID).
• Create electrical control panel schematics and layouts following applicable codes and guidelines such as NFPA79 and NEC using CAD, ensuring the design meets all safety requirements.
• Conceptualize, write, and deploy software on Allen‑Bradley CompactLogix PLCs using ladder logic following company standards for code cleanliness, reusability, and documentation.
• Design and deploy aesthetically pleasing and intuitive HMI screens following company standards.
• Integrate and program all components required for machine operation such as robots, servo drives, vision systems, conveyor systems, and pneumatic solenoid valves.
• Manage electrical design changes and updates during the build phase, including the layout of field wiring and pneumatic components.
• Work with vendors on the electrical design and review phases of projects to ensure conformance to applicable company standards.
• Document and maintain best practices and preferred component lists to promote continuity across multiple projects.
• Develop testing procedures to verify vendor PLC code, HMI screen integrity, and Alarm management to minimize potential downtime after delivery.

Existing equipment in production:

• Install new hardware and perform modifications on existing equipment software to improve reliability, increase throughput or accommodate new assembly steps.
• Become an expert on existing machinery to assist with troubleshooting when required.
• Participate in quality validation procedures using statistical methods such as Gage R&R, and Process Capability & Performance.

The Lee Company Advantages:

The Lee Company offers opportunities for career growth in a stable, well‑managed company providing an attractive range of benefits including company‑paid health insurance, generous profit sharing, full tuition reimbursement, and daycare subsidy. The Lee Company is situated in southern New England in a rural, campus setting close to the Long Island Sound.

Please send your resume to [e-mail].

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.