Automation Controls Engineer

American Nitrile; Grove City (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the medical device industry seeks a skilled Automation Controls Engineer. This role involves designing and optimizing automation systems within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have strong troubleshooting skills and experience with PLCs and control systems. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production efficiency and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in an engineering or controls role.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and sensors.
• Design, program, and maintain control systems for process stability.
• Collaborate with teams to improve preventive maintenance strategies.

Skills

Communication

Project Execution

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

PLC platforms

HMI/SCADA

Job description

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This range is provided by American Nitrile. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$95,000.00/yr - $110,000.00/yr

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and optimizing automation and control systems across the nitrile glove production process. This role requires hands-on troubleshooting, preventive support, and continuous improvement of PLCs, HMIs, and instrumentation to ensure production efficiency, safety, and equipment reliability. The ideal candidate brings strong cross-functional communication skills, project execution capability, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset to a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key responsibilities & duties

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and associated instrumentation on glove dipping lines and peripheral process equipment.
• Design, program, and maintain control systems (PLC/HMI/SCADA) to support process stability and operational goals.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to develop and improve preventive maintenance strategies for electrical and control systems.
• Develop and maintain P&IDs, electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams using CAD software.
• Support installation and commissioning of new equipment and automation upgrades, including validation of process control loops.
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships, including scope definition, project coordination, and technical reviews.
• Prepare and manage RFQs, procurement requests, and project budgets for controls-related components and services.
• Document changes to software and hardware, including version control, backup procedures, and change management in compliance with site standards.
• Lead small-to-medium scale capital improvement projects, including system upgrades, integration of new sensors, and automation retrofits.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, electrical, and industry standards (NFPA 70E, NEC, OSHA, etc.).
• Train and support technicians and operators on control system functionality, diagnostics, and troubleshooting best practices.
• Participate in root cause analyses (RCA) for equipment failures, leveraging data from PLCs and historian systems to support reliability improvements.

Academic Or Trade Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or a related discipline. Candidates with a Mechanical or other Engineering degree and proven controls experience will be considered.
• Proficient in CAD software (AutoCAD Electrical or similar) for developing schematics and layouts.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment preferred (Nitrile/latex/glove industry is a plus).
• 7+ years of experience in an engineering or controls role working with industrial automation systems.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell preferred), HMI/SCADA, and industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.).
• Proficient in troubleshooting VFDs, servos, and sensors.
• Experience developing project scope documents, technical specifications, and execution plans.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams (Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, Safety).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and professionalism in team and vendor interactions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with thermal curing ovens, air handling units, chillers, scrubbers, reverse osmosis, and chemical dosing systems.
• Familiarity with data historians, IIoT systems, and OT network administration.
• Knowledge of functional safety systems, safety PLCs, or SIL-rated equipment.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Medical Device