Control Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking a Controls Engineer to join our growing team responsible for developing and supporting custom industrial equipment used in demanding manufacturing environments. You will work on complex automation projects from concept through commissioning, collaborating with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and customers.

The role involves designing, programming, and testing PLC, HMI, VFD, and control systems, plus developing electrical schematics and architectures to meet

Qualifications

• Experience in designing and implementing automation solutions for OEMs or machine builders.
• Familiarity with motion control, robotics, or process automation in industrial settings.
• Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and control architectures.
• Knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ProfiNet, or DeviceNet is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, VFD, and control systems for custom equipment.
• Develop electrical schematics, control architectures, and automation solutions per requirements.
• Commission, test, and debug equipment at in-house and customer sites.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, manufacturing teams, and customers through the project lifecycle.

Skills

OEM experience

Motion control

Robotics

Process automation

Electrical schematics

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Design, Program, and Commission Advanced Industrial Automation Systems

We're seeking a Controls Engineer to join a growing engineering team responsible for developing and supporting custom industrial equipment used in demanding manufacturing environments. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex automation projects from concept through commissioning while collaborating with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and customers.

What You'll Do

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, VFD, and industrial control systems for custom equipment and automated machinery.
• Develop electrical schematics, control system architectures, and automation solutions that meet customer and project requirements.
• Commission, test, and debug equipment both in-house and at customer facilities.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, manufacturing teams, and customers throughout the project lifecycle.

Why This Opportunity?

• Work on custom-designed equipment instead of repetitive plant maintenance projects.
• Be involved in the complete machine lifecycle from design through commissioning.
• Collaborate with a highly skilled engineering team on technically challenging projects.
• Join a stable, growing organization with opportunities for long-term career advancement and technical development.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working for an OEM, machine builder, systems integrator, or custom automation company.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ProfiNet, or DeviceNet.
• Experience with motion control, servo systems, robotics, or process automation.
• Ability to read and develop electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or similar design software.