Control Engineer

Optimal; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimal in Buffalo, NY, is seeking a Controls Engineer to support a high-volume, automation-focused production environment. The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, commissioning, and deployment of AMRs and fleet management systems across the plant.

The ideal candidate has 2–4 years of PLC and automation experience, including Siemens and Allen-Bradley controls, and hands-on work with HMIs and robotics in a manufacturing setting. Expect on-floor work 80–90% with future shift opportunities.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in PLC troubleshooting and controls
• Experience with Siemens PLCs and Allen-Bradley/Rockwell controls
• Experience with HMIs and manufacturing controls in high-volume production

Responsibilities

• Respond to carry-over issues from previous shifts and support troubleshooting of automated equipment
• Assist maintenance and operations with equipment breakdowns and production interruptions
• Troubleshoot AMRs including routing, navigation, and material delivery interruptions
• Support AMR fleet management software and related systems
• Work with production, maintenance, and materials teams to maintain uptime and meet production targets
• Document troubleshooting actions and continuous improvement opportunities
• Assist with AMR and cobot commissioning, startup support, and validation testing

Skills

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley

Robotics troubleshooting

HMI

Industrial automation

AMRs

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Fanuc Robots

Cognex Vision

Rockwell/AB controls

Siemens PLCs

Job description

Position Description:

This Controls Engineer position supports a machine-intensive, high-volume production environment within a small, specialized engineering team responsible for the rollout and support of next-generation manufacturing technologies. The team will serve as the plant Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for new Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and fleet management systems being introduced to improve material flow and production efficiency. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working hands-on with automation, troubleshooting equipment on the production floor, and learning emerging technologies. Employees will receive training on the new AMR platforms and fleet management software and will play a critical role in deploying, optimizing, and supporting these systems throughout the facility.

Job responsibilities:

• Respond to carry-over issues from previous shifts and support troubleshooting efforts for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Assist maintenance and operations teams with equipment breakdowns, automation faults, and production interruptions.
• Utilize PLCs (Allen Bradley and Siemens) primarily for troubleshooting and fault diagnosis.
• Review and interpret logic to identify root causes of equipment and automation issues.
• Troubleshoot Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), including routing, navigation, communication, and material delivery interruptions.
• Support AMR fleet management software and related systems to ensure reliable transportation of materials throughout the facility.
• Work closely with production, maintenance, and materials teams to maintain uptime and achieve production targets.
• Document troubleshooting activities, corrective actions, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Partner with materials, logistics, production, and maintenance teams to identify additional opportunities for automation and robotic integration.
• Assist with AMR and Cobot commissioning activities, startup support, validation testing, and production launch efforts.
• Contribute to capital projects involving advanced automation, automated material handling systems, robotics, and smart factory initiatives.
• Create and maintain automation documentation, process flows, operating procedures, and project records.

Why This Role Is Unique

• Join a small, highly visible engineering team supporting one of the plant's newest automation initiatives.
• Receive specialized training on cutting-edge AMR and fleet management technologies.
• Become a plant Subject Matter Expert (SME) for autonomous material movement and robotics.
• Play a direct role in modernizing manufacturing operations and shaping how materials are moved throughout the facility.
• Work with emerging Industry 4.0 technologies within a Fortune 100 manufacturing environment.

Focus will be GPS - Engine Assembly and Machining Siemens PLC, HMI, Rockwell Global Common Cameras - Cognex AI, Dalsa, Matrox Fanuc Robot/Cobot AMR OTTO and Bastian Auto Fork Truck Procurement and implementation of new equipment. High focus on factory floor and supporting production and maintenance. Not a desk job; 80-90% on floor.

Experience required

2-4 years of experience In:

PLC Troubleshooting & Controls Systems Expertise

• Strong troubleshooting experience with Siemens PLCs and Allen-Bradley/Rockwell controls
• Ability to read, interpret, and diagnose PLC logic, automation faults, and production equipment issues
• Experience supporting HMIs and manufacturing controls systems in a high-volume production environment

Industrial Automation & Robotics

• Experience supporting and troubleshooting Fanuc Robots/Cobots
• Knowledge of automated material handling systems and robotic integration
• Exposure to automation commissioning, startup support, validation, and production launches

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) & Advanced Manufacturing Technology

• Experience with strong aptitude to support AMRs, fleet management systems, and automated material movement
• Understanding of Industry 4.0 technologies, automated logistics, and smart factory initiatives

• Familiarity with systems such as OTTO AMRs, automated forklifts, or similar autonomous technologies is highly desirable

Education required:

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Additional Information:

Initially 1st Shift. May transition to 2nd or 3rd Shift after 1 year
Expectation is 2-3 weekend shifts per month.