Automation & Controls Engineering Manager

NCBiotech; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

TARGAN, Inc. is seeking an R&D Automation and Controls Engineer to design, program, debug, and troubleshoot automated equipment for customer facilities. This hands‑on role offers growth toward a senior lead position.

You will work with PLC/PAC devices, industrial fieldbus protocols, machine vision, safety systems, and sensor integration, collaborating with Engineers and Scientists to deliver reliable machinery.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of PLC/PAC experience in an industrial setting.
• Experience with IEC61131-3 languages or equivalent.
• Knowledge of machine safety and sensors integration.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and debug hardware interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Program and troubleshoot PLC/PAC systems on automated equipment.
• Integrate I/O, fieldbus protocols, machine vision, and safety features.
• Work with cross‑functional teams to deliver reliable machinery.
• Document blocks and programs; test incrementally to minimize debugging.

Skills

PLC programming

PAC devices

HMI interfaces

Python

C#

SCADA

ISA-TR88

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering/CS/CE

Master’s Degree

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Solidworks Electrical

SCADA software

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. This position can facilitate a range of experience. However, it is expected that the Engineer candidate will eventually move into a senior role with the ability to take ownership of and lead projects.

Essential Functions

• 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 onsite in customer environments independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

A. Education

Level Area of Study

High School Diploma/GED

Associate’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree In Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, etc. is preferred

Master’s Degree

Other (must specify):

B. Experience and Certifications

Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with PLC/PAC technologies in an industrial environment. More experience can translate into a higher engineering pay grade. In lieu of a degree: a minimum of 5 years of experience for consideration.

C. Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• 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.

Physical Requirements

This position requires (check all that apply):

Normal periods of sitting and standing in an office environment.

Extended periods of sitting at a workstation/desk in an office environment.

Extended period of standing.

Lifting and/or pushing objects up to 25 lbs. on a regular basis

Lifting and/or pushing objects up to 50 lbs. on an occasional basis.

Working with heavy `machinery or equipment on X regular occasional basis.

Working outdoors in potentially inclement weather conditions.

Working at heights of up to feet.

Working in a laboratory setting.

Working with birds or other animals.

Other: