Control Engineer

IPS Group; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

IPS Group in Columbus, MS is seeking a Controls Engineer with strong Siemens PLC hands-on experience to support industrial automation, control systems, troubleshooting, and equipment optimization.

The ideal candidate will program, configure, commission, and maintain Siemens-based control systems in a manufacturing environment, collaborating with electrical, mechanical, and maintenance teams and working onsite.

Qualifications

• Hands-on Siemens PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal and SIMATIC S7 PLCs.
• Knowledge of industrial automation, electrical controls, and manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with HMI configuration, control logic, and equipment commissioning.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, modify, and troubleshoot Siemens PLC control systems.
• Configure and support Siemens automation platforms, including SIMATIC S7 PLCs and TIA Portal.
• Develop and maintain PLC logic, HMI applications, and industrial control sequences.
• Troubleshoot electrical controls, PLC programs, sensors, actuators, and automation equipment.
• Support installation, commissioning, testing, and startup of automated manufacturing systems.
• Diagnose equipment downtime and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and production performance.
• Interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, maintenance, and manufacturing engineering teams.
• Support integration of PLCs with HMIs, drives, and other industrial automation components.

Skills

Siemens PLC programming

TIA Portal

SIMATIC S7 PLC

HMI configuration

Industrial automation

Tools

WinCC

SINAMICS drives

Job description

Location: Columbus, MS (onsite)

Position: Full-Time / Contract

Experience: 5+ years

Job Summary

We are seeking a Controls Engineer with strong hands-on experience in Siemens PLCs to support industrial automation, control systems, troubleshooting, and equipment optimization. The ideal candidate will have practical experience programming, configuring, commissioning, and maintaining Siemens-based control systems in an industrial or manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, program, modify, and troubleshoot Siemens PLC control systems.
• Configure and support Siemens automation platforms, including SIMATIC S7 PLCs and TIA Portal.
• Develop and maintain PLC logic, HMI applications, and industrial control sequences.
• Troubleshoot electrical controls, PLC programs, sensors, actuators, and automation equipment.
• Support installation, commissioning, testing, and startup of automated manufacturing systems.
• Diagnose equipment downtime and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and production performance.
• Interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, maintenance, and manufacturing engineering teams.
• Support integration of PLCs with HMIs, drives, and other industrial automation components.

Required Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with Siemens PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal and SIMATIC S7 PLC platforms.
• Knowledge of industrial automation, electrical controls, and manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with HMI configuration, control logic, and equipment commissioning.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues in an industrial environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Siemens WinCC, SINAMICS drives, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with machine automation, production lines, and manufacturing equipment integration.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics, I/O checkout, and system startup.

Important: Strong Siemens PLC expertise is essential for this position. Candidates with only general controls experience and limited Siemens PLC hands-on experience may not be a suitable fit.