Contract Controls Engineer

Belcan Corporation; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Belcan Corporation in Santa Cruz, CA is seeking a Contract Controls Engineer to design, integrate, modify, and commission production and R&D equipment, focusing on thermal-process systems like autoclaves and ovens, with precise heating and cooling.

The role blends controls programming, HMI/SCADA development, electrical design, panel work, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment, with onsite work at multiple California sites.

Qualifications

• Hands-on controls or automation engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with Ignition and Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLC platforms.
• Ability to design or architect a control system from scratch.
• Onsite availability at least 50% of the time and support projects in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, and Marina.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell platforms.
• Build and maintain Ignition applications, with emphasis on Perspective and Edge.
• Create control solutions from scratch when required and adapt proven components from existing systems when appropriate.
• Design electrical control panels, develop schematics, select components, and support panel build and field installation activities.
• Integrate new production and R&D equipment into established Rockwell and Ignition architectures.
• Support equipment commissioning, debugging, process optimization, and production-readiness activities.
• Integrate machine-safety devices and controls in accordance with applicable requirements and safe engineering practices.
• Collaborate closely with controls engineers, equipment engineers, technicians, and manufacturing stakeholders across multiple California sites.

Skills

Ignition/SCADA experience

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs

Control system design

Troubleshooting PLC/electrical systems

Panel design and wiring

Education

Electrical engineering background

Controls/automation/mechatronics education

Tools

Ignition Perspective

Ignition Edge

Beckhoff TwinCAT

FactoryTalk or related Rockwell software

Job description

Job Title: Contract Controls Engineer

Location: Santa Cruz, CA

Zip Code: 95060

Start Date: Right Away

Job Type: Contract

Pay Rate: $60 - $71.87/hr.

We provide a competitive pay and benefits package. This position is offering a pay range of $60 - $71.87/hr. however, Belcan considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to education, experience, geographic location, and discipline. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law.

Position Summary

An advanced aerospace manufacturing team is seeking a hands‑on Contract Controls Engineer to support the design, integration, modification, and commissioning of production and R&D equipment. The engineer will work primarily with thermal‑process equipment such as autoclaves, ovens, and related systems that require precise heating and controlled cooling. The role combines controls programming, HMI/SCADA development, electrical design, panel work, troubleshooting, and cross‑functional collaboration in a fast‑moving project environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell platforms.
• Build and maintain Ignition applications, with emphasis on Perspective and Edge.
• Create control solutions from scratch when required and adapt proven components from existing systems when appropriate.
• Design electrical control panels, develop schematics, select components, and support panel build and field installation activities.
• Integrate new production and R&D equipment into established Rockwell and Ignition architectures.
• Support equipment commissioning, debugging, process optimization, and production-readiness activities.
• Integrate machine-safety devices and controls in accordance with applicable requirements and safe engineering practices.
• Collaborate closely with controls engineers, equipment engineers, technicians, and manufacturing stakeholders across multiple California sites.

Core Qualifications

• Practical controls or automation engineering experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, or process automation.
• Hands‑on experience with Ignition and Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLC platforms.
• Ability to program, configure, or architect a control system from the ground up.
• Experience with control‑panel design, electrical schematics, component selection, and panel build or installation support.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across PLC logic, instrumentation, electrical systems, HMI/SCADA, and connected equipment.
• Ability to work onsite at least 50% of the time and support projects in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, and Marina.
• Collaborative, adaptable working style suited to a small, close‑knit engineering team and rapidly changing project priorities.

Preferred Experience

• Ignition Perspective and Edge development experience.
• Beckhoff PLCs and TwinCAT; FactoryTalk or related Rockwell software.
• Autoclaves, ovens, furnaces, thermal‑processing equipment, or other temperature‑controlled process systems.
• FANUC robotics, industrial safety systems, commissioning, or equipment integration.
• Experience from aerospace, automotive, food processing, pharmaceutical, HVAC, or another process‑equipment environment.

Education

A degree in electrical engineering, controls, automation, mechatronics, or a related discipline is helpful but not required. Equivalent hands‑on experience and demonstrated technical capability will be considered.