Automation & Controls Engineer

Gables Search Group; Michigan City (IN); On-site; USD 81,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BCBS medical insurance (company pays a

Dental & vision insurance

401(k) with company match up to 5%

8 paid company holidays

Company-paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

Gables Search Group is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer for a global manufacturing client in the Michigan City area. The role blends hands-on troubleshooting with designing and improving automation systems in a complex manufacturing environment.

You will design electrical control systems, program PLCs, and support HMI/SCADA platforms. This on-site position requires collaboration with maintenance and production teams to resolve equipment issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems and manufacturing equipment.
• Program and troubleshoot PLC systems using Siemens Step 7 and TIA Portal.
• Develop and support HMI and SCADA systems including WinCC platforms.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical, mechanical, and controls-related equipment issues.
• Support maintenance and production teams in resolving equipment and process problems.
• Create and maintain documentation including PLC programs, schematics, and troubleshooting guides.
• Support plant operations with on-call troubleshooting as needed.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Electrical systems understanding

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Automation Engineering

Tools

Siemens Step 7

TIA Portal

WinCC

Profibus/Profinet

Ethernet networks

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

My client, a global manufacturer of custom-engineered industrial materials, is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer to support maintenance and manufacturing operations through controls design, programming, and troubleshooting.

This is a full-time, on-site role based in the Michigan City, Indiana area, ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of automation, electrical systems, and hands-on manufacturing support.

If you're ready to make an immediate impact in a visible role, this opportunity combines hands-on troubleshooting with the ability to design and improve automation systems in a complex manufacturing environment.

Why You Should Apply

Base salary: $81,000–$91,000 + 10% annual bonus

Low-cost Blue Cross Blue Shield medical (85% company paid premium), dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with 100% company match up to 5%

8 paid company holidays per year

Company-paid life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability

Strong support for automation improvements, controls modernization, and continuous improvement

What You’ll Be Doing

Design and develop electrical control systems and manufacturing equipment

Program and troubleshoot PLC systems using Siemens Step 7 and TIA Portal

Develop and support HMI and SCADA systems including WinCC platforms

Troubleshoot complex electrical, mechanical, and controls-related equipment issues

Support maintenance and production teams in resolving equipment and process problems

Design control logic, wiring schematics, and AutoCAD electrical drawings

Support integration of automation systems including industrial networks such as Profibus, Profinet, and Ethernet

Work with motor controls, drives, and variable frequency drives

Create and maintain documentation including PLC programs, schematics, and troubleshooting guides

Support plant operations with on-call troubleshooting as needed

About You

Be able to do the job as described

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field

3+ years of hands-on automation and controls experience in manufacturing or system integration

Strong PLC programming experience (Siemens preferred)

Experience with HMI/SCADA systems and controls integration

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in automated environments

Experience with electrical systems, motor controls, and industrial networks

Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with maintenance and production teams

Experience in plastics manufacturing, extrusion, or continuous process environments is a plus