Automation / Controls Engineer I (December 2026 Start)

Dennis Group; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dennis Group in Massachusetts is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, troubleshoot, and integrate control systems for manufacturing facilities using PLCs. You will design software and hardware for control systems and automate processes with instrumentation and controls.

You will specify and procure hardware, wire control panels, collaborate with installation contractors, and travel 35% to 50% to client sites for installation, startup, and commissioning across projects in the food and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field is required.
• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling with Allen Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, GE Fanuc, Honeywell Systems.
• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling in Visual Basic, SQL, MS ACCESS Database programming skills are a plus.
• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling with design and implementation process network infrastructures (Ethernet, Device Net, Control Net, ProfiBus, etc.).
• 0-3 years of work experience and/or internship(s) in an industrial manufacturing setting.
• Database programming skills a plus.
• Proficiency with MS Office and AutoCAD required.
• Role requires professional, client-facing individuals with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must meet travel requirement - 35% to 50% of time in client facilities during installation/startup/qualification.

Responsibilities

• Handle basic issues and problems and refer more complex issues to higher-level engineer.
• Design and troubleshoot software and hardware for control systems using PLCs for integration of manufacturing systems.
• Automate manufacturing processes through instrumentation or controls systems.
• Design, diagnose, and troubleshoot network infrastructures - Ethernet, DeviceNet, AS-i, Profibus etc.
• Develop new PLC applications, interfaces, or embedded controls.
• Develop or modify set-up and commissioning of new facilities or upgrading existing facilities.
• Design, specify, wire, and procure control panel equipment (safety circuits, I/O, networks).
• Design, specify, and procure electrical equipment (MCCs, panelboards, transformers).
• Specify, procure, configure, and troubleshoot controls hardware and field instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve malfunctions and recommend efficiency/quality improvements.
• Develop bid documentation for Electrical, Automation, and Low Voltage vendors.
• Document specifications and operating procedures.
• Interface and manage installation contractors during construction.
• Research Automation & Controls materials and best practices.
• Support talent growth within the organization.

Skills

Client facing

Communication

Travel readiness

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Allen Bradley/Rockwell

Siemens

GE Fanuc

Honeywell Systems

Visual Basic

SQL

MS Access

MS Office

AutoCAD

Ethernet

DeviceNet

ControlNet

Profibus

Job description

• Handle basic issues and problems and refer more complex issues to higher-level engineer


• Design and troubleshoot both software and hardware necessary for control systems utilizing PLCs for integration of manufacturing systems.


• Automate manufacturing processes through the use of instrumentation or controls systems.


• Design, diagnose, and troubleshoot network infrastructures - Ethernet, DeviceNet, AS-i, Profibus etc.


• Develop new PLC applications, interfaces, or embedded controls


• Develop new or modify existing set-up and commissioning of new facilities or upgrading of existing facilities


• Design, specify, wire, and procure control panel equipment, e.g. safety circuits, I/O, networks, etc.


• Design, specify, and procure electrical equipment, e.g. MCCs, panelboards, transformers, etc.


• Specify, procure, configure, and troubleshoot controls hardware and field instrumentation


• Troubleshoot and resolve malfunctions and make recommendations that will improve efficiency or quality of operations


• Develop bid documentation for Electrical, Automation, and Low Voltage (network, security) vendors


• Document specifications and operating procedures


• Interface and manage installation contractors during construction


• Research Automation & Controls materials and best practices


• Support talent growth within our organization

Responsibilities

• Handle basic issues and problems and refer more complex issues to higher-level engineer


• Design and troubleshoot both software and hardware necessary for control systems utilizing PLCs for integration of manufacturing systems.


• Automate manufacturing processes through the use of instrumentation or controls systems.


• Design, diagnose, and troubleshoot network infrastructures - Ethernet, DeviceNet, AS-i, Profibus etc.


• Develop new PLC applications, interfaces, or embedded controls


• Develop new or modify existing set-up and commissioning of new facilities or upgrading of existing facilities


• Design, specify, wire, and procure control panel equipment, e.g. safety circuits, I/O, networks, etc.


• Design, specify, and procure electrical equipment, e.g. MCCs, panelboards, transformers, etc.


• Specify, procure, configure, and troubleshoot controls hardware and field instrumentation


• Troubleshoot and resolve malfunctions and make recommendations that will improve efficiency or quality of operations


• Develop bid documentation for Electrical, Automation, and Low Voltage (network, security) vendors


• Document specifications and operating procedures


• Interface and manage installation contractors during construction


• Research Automation & Controls materials and best practices


• Support talent growth within our organization

Required Education Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field


• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling and familiarity with Allen Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, GE Fanuc, Honeywell Systems.


• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling in Visual Basic, SQL, MS ACCESS Database programming skills a plus


• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling with design and implementation process network infrastructures (Ethernet, Device Net, Control Net, ProfiBus, etc.)


• 0-3 years of work experience and/or internship(s) in an industrial manufacturing setting


• Database programming skills a plus


• Proficiency with MS Office and AutoCAD Required


• This role is client facing, those successful in this role are professional, self-motivated, and energetic individuals with excellent communication and inter-personal skills.


• Must meet travel requirement - you will spend significant time in our client's facilities during installation and startup/commissioning/qualification phases of a project – 35% to 50% of any given time of the year.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.


• Prolonged periods of standing and walking during installation, commissioning and startup.


• Must be able to lift-up to 30 pounds at times.

Travel Requirement

• Up to 50% travel required to visit project sites and other offices.

About Us

We plan, design, engineer, and build food plants for major brands across the country and the world. For the past three decades, we’ve focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry, helping your favorite brands put your favorite foods in the grocery store. Simply put, food isn’t one thing we do, it’s all we do.

Dennis Group offers competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience. We provide comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off including an open vacation policy, as well as bonus, profit-sharing, and retirement plans.

Dennis Group is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.