Automation Controls Engineer – PLC/SCADA

GCS Recruitment; Redding (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, develop, implement, and optimize industrial automation systems in Redding, CA. The role emphasizes PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and systems integration across manufacturing environments.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of automation experience, hands-on PLC programming with major platforms, and strong troubleshooting skills. Travel for commissioning/site support may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Hands-on experience programming PLCs using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, or CODESYS.
• Experience with SCADA/HMI platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk View, WinCC, or Wonderware.
• Knowledge of industrial networks and communication protocols.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical drawings.
• Willingness to travel for commissioning and site support as needed.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC control systems using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or CODESYS.
• Develop and maintain HMI and SCADA applications for monitoring and controlling automated processes.
• Configure and integrate industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC UA, and Profinet.
• Create control strategies, interlocks, alarms, and sequences of operation for automated equipment.
• Support system commissioning, FAT/SAT activities, startup, and production deployment.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and operations teams to deliver automation projects.
• Develop technical documentation including functional specifications, test plans, and operating procedures.
• Perform root cause analysis and provide ongoing troubleshooting and support for control systems.
• Assist with system upgrades, migrations, and process improvement initiatives.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial networking

System integration

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Siemens TIA Portal

CODESYS

Ignition

FactoryTalk View

WinCC

Wonderware

Job description

Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer
Location: Redding, CA
Duration: 12+ Months

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to support the design, development, implementation, and optimization of industrial automation systems. The ideal candidate will have experience with PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, industrial networking, system integration, and commissioning within manufacturing or process control environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC control systems using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or CODESYS.
• Develop and maintain HMI and SCADA applications for monitoring and controlling automated processes.
• Configure and integrate industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC UA, and Profinet.
• Create control strategies, interlocks, alarms, and sequences of operation for automated equipment.
• Support system commissioning, FAT/SAT activities, startup, and production deployment.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and operations teams to deliver automation projects.
• Develop technical documentation including functional specifications, test plans, and operating procedures.
• Perform root cause analysis and provide ongoing troubleshooting and support for control systems.
• Assist with system upgrades, migrations, and process improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Hands-on experience programming PLCs using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, or CODESYS.
• Experience with SCADA/HMI platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk View, WinCC, or Wonderware.
• Knowledge of industrial networks and communication protocols.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical drawings.
• Willingness to travel for commissioning and site support as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with motion control, VFDs, servo systems, and safety PLCs.
• Knowledge of MES, IIoT, and cloud-based industrial technologies.
• Experience with Python, SQL, or other scripting languages.
• Familiarity with Git version control and software development best practices.
• Exposure to material handling, warehouse automation, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing environments.

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.