Automation Controls Engineer

NCBioImpact; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

TARGAN, Inc. is seeking an R&D Automation and Controls Engineer to design, implement, and troubleshoot automated equipment for customer facilities. This hands-on role involves conceiving, programming, debugging, and validating machinery across IEC61131-3 platforms and I/O networks.

You will integrate machine vision, safety systems, VFDs, and sensors, while collaborating with Engineers and Scientists to deliver reliable, scalable control solutions in a cross-functional environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience with PLC/PAC technologies in an industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Program PLC/PAC devices using IEC61131-3 languages.
• Integrate I/O with fieldbus protocols such as EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, IO-Link.
• Integrate machine vision and safety systems.
• Work with VFDs and sensors in machine programs.
• Document function blocks and programs with good code practices.
• Collaborate with Engineers and Scientists in cross-functional teams.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA integration

Machine vision

Electrical safety

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional teamwork

Documentation

State-machine testing

Python

C#

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

SolidWorks Electrical

Job description

Position Summary

The R&D Automation and Controls Engineer plays a key role in the realization of automated equipment at TARGAN, Inc. This position is hands‑on; requiring the Engineer to conceive, program, debug, and troubleshoot equipment with the goal of putting machinery into customer facilities.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Programming of modern PLC/PAC devices using IEC61131-3 compliant languages.
• Integration of I/O systems using industrial automation fieldbus protocols such as EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, IO-Link and others.
• Integration of machine vision and other pieces of equipment using the above protocols.
• Integration of machine safety using the above protocols.
• Use of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and interaction with them using the above protocols.
• Incorporate sensors for flow, pressure, etc. into the machine program using the above protocols.
• Ability to work within the framework ‘template’ of a PLC/PAC system using state-machines (ISA-TR88.00.02).
• Basic understanding of linear single-axis motion control.
• Good code techniques to include documentation of function blocks, programs, etc.
• Methodical and incremental testing of code to minimize excessive debugging in the final product.
• Understand schematic diagrams of electrical systems.
• Understand electrical safety and working around electro‑mechanical machinery.
• Troubleshoot equipment using electrical multimeters and other testing devices.
• Work as part of a cross‑functional team including Engineers and Scientists to create the desired product outcomes.
• Participate as an active member of cross‑functional teams; provide and receive constructive feedback.
• Ability to be given direction and work independently for periods of time to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ability to work on‑site in customer environments independently and as part of a team.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Creating touchscreen HMI interfaces using vendor packages, possibly SCADA, from scratch – is a plus.
• Integrating PLC/PAC & SCADA with databases – is a plus.
• Ability to create schematics using AutoCAD Electrical, Solidworks Electrical, or similar software – is a plus.
• A background in electrical design - is a plus.
• Knowledge of other programming languages such as Python, C#, etc. – is a plus.
• Experience with computer vision – is a plus.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with PLC/PAC technologies in an industrial environment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed inside a flex space building consisting of offices, open desk space, laboratory, machine shop, and a manufacturing floor. Level of noise is usually quiet in the office environment and temperature controlled. Noise levels are elevated in the warehouse space where temperatures can vary depending on the outside elements and weather. Travel may be required, including up to 2-8 trips per year to visit suppliers, attend conferences, meetings (customer, investor, and business) and customer sites (hatcheries).