Automation Controls Engineer - Optimize Plant Operations

Materion; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 79,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Materion in Buffalo, NY, is seeking a Controls Engineer to support daily plant operations and ensure reliable automation and control systems. You will bridge Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and IT to translate production needs into effective solutions while maintaining safe, efficient controls infrastructure.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical/Controls Engineering and 2–5 years of automation experience with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networks (AB/Siemens).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering or related field.
• 2–5 years’ experience in industrial controls or automation.
• Hands-on PLC, HMI, and industrial networking experience (AB, Siemens).
• Knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Profinet, OPC, and related protocols.
• Strong troubleshooting and cross-functional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Translate production needs into control system functionality with Operations.
• Monitor and improve automation performance to reduce downtime.
• Support new equipment installations, upgrades, and project designs.
• Collaborate with IT to secure interfaces between controls and enterprise networks.
• Maintain documentation and lead standardization across platforms.

Skills

PLC

HMI

Industrial networks

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional teamwork

IT/OT knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Controls/Automation degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

EtherNet/IP

Profinet

OPC

Job description

Materion in Buffalo, NY, is seeking a Controls Engineer to support daily plant operations and ensure reliable automation and control systems. You will bridge Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and IT to translate production needs into effective solutions while maintaining safe, efficient controls infrastructure.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical/Controls Engineering and 2–5 years of automation experience with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networks (AB/Siemens).