Control Engineer I

Socket.dev; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

HLBMA LLC in Savannah, GA is seeking an entry-level Control Engineer I to support maintenance, troubleshooting, and improvement of control systems for battery production equipment in a high-volume manufacturing environment. You will assist with PLC and HMI programming, diagnostics, and documentation, collaborating with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to enhance reliability and throughput.

This on-site role offers development opportunities into more advanced controls

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Controls Engineering or related technical field.
• 0–3 years in industrial controls, automation, PLC programming or related environment.
• Experience reading electrical schematics and control drawings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve PLC/HMI issues, servo drives, sensors, and control hardware.
• Read, modify, and support PLC/HMI programs under supervision.
• Document changes and maintain records for PLC programs and configurations.
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance of production automation systems.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC systems

HMI systems

Instrumentation

Electrical controls

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Mitsubishi PLC

Job description

Summary

The Control Engineer I supports the maintenance, troubleshooting, and improvement of control systems for battery production equipment within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role assists with PLC and HMI programming, equipment troubleshooting, system testing, and automation improvements across Cell and Electrode Technology operations. Working under the direction of senior controls engineering staff, the Control Engineer I supports equipment reliability, product quality, and production efficiency through hands‑on technical support and collaboration with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams. This is an entry‑level engineering position with development opportunity into more advanced controls engineering responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist with diagnosing and resolving issues related to PLCs, HMIs, servo drives, sensors, instrumentation, and other process hardware
• Read, modify, and support PLC and HMI programs under the direction of senior controls engineering staff
• Support troubleshooting of electrical and control systems using electrical and control schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation
• Assist with replacement and configuration of sensors, control circuits, and wiring to support accurate system operation
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance activities for production automation systems
• Conduct IO checks, system testing, and validation activities to verify control system operation
• Support installation, commissioning, and startup activities for new and modified production equipment
• Assist with PLC program version control to support consistency and traceability of changes
• Maintain accurate documentation related to PLC programs, system configurations, and troubleshooting activities
• Collect and analyze equipment breakdown data, downtime, and system alarms to support root cause identification
• Support OEE tracking and reporting, including micro stops, breakdown maintenance, and yield
• Support implementation of control system improvements to enhance equipment reliability, quality, and throughput
• Monitor equipment performance following repairs and improvements to verify effectiveness
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams to resolve control-related issues
• Support development and maintenance of standardized work procedures for PLC troubleshooting, testing, and automated equipment controls
• Participate in on-the-job training and technical development to build proficiency in Siemens and Mitsubishi PLC platforms and battery production processes
• Follow established work instructions, safety procedures, PPE requirements, and company policies at all times
• Adhere to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements and all applicable safety standards
• Complete daily documentation and audits as required by the position
• Participate in and successfully complete all required training programs
• Maintain regular and reliable on‑site attendance
• Maintain cleanliness at work‑site in accordance with 5S3R Standards (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain; Right Location, Right Quantity, Right Container)
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or Controls Engineering, or a related technical field required
• Candidates with equivalent technical education, military technical training, or an Associate degree with relevant hands‑on controls experience may also be considered

Experience

• 0 to 3 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, PLC programming, or a related manufacturing environment
• Internship, co‑op, apprenticeship, military technical training, senior design projects, or equivalent hands‑on technical experience may be considered in lieu of full‑time experience
• Exposure to PLC programming or industrial automation systems preferred; Siemens or Mitsubishi experience a plus
• Coursework or experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics and control drawings preferred
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment preferred

Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for employment‑based visa sponsorship, now or in the future. Candidates must possess current, unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.

Skills

• Foundational knowledge of industrial automation, PLC systems, HMI systems, instrumentation, and electrical controls
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, and equipment documentation
• Strong troubleshooting, problem‑solving, and analytical skills
• Understanding of basic industrial electrical systems and control circuits
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams and external vendors
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn new systems and technologies
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support production operations
• Bilingual (Korean and English) language proficiency preferred to support coordination with Korean headquarters, OEM partners, and technical documentation review

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to properly and regularly utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for periods of up to 12 hours, including safety glasses, steel‑toed shoes, gloves, hearing protection, and cleanroom garments as required
• Must be able to repeatedly lift, push, and pull tools, materials, and equipment for periods of up to 12 hours
• Must be able to repeatedly stoop, twist, bend, kneel, and reach overhead for periods of up to 12 hours
• Must be able to stand, walk, and move throughout production and operational areas for extended periods
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate tools, computers, testing equipment, and control systems
• Must be able to occasionally work at heights, access equipment platforms, or work in confined or restricted spaces as required
• Must be able to sit and work at a computer for extended periods while programming, troubleshooting, or reviewing system data

Work Environment

• Work is performed within a manufacturing facility, including production, clean room, office, and production support areas
• Regular interaction with battery production equipment and automated systems
• Regular exposure to industrial equipment, moving machinery, noise, heat, dust, and operational hazards
• Work may involve handling or working in proximity to hazardous materials and regulated industrial chemicals
• Strict adherence to company safety policies, clean room requirements, and PPE standards is mandatory
• Fast‑paced environment requiring timely response to equipment failures, production issues, and project deadlines

HLBMA LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer that values the diversity of its workforce.