Controls & Automation Designer

RJS Corporation; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

RJS Corporation in Akron, OH is seeking a Controls & Automation Designer to design, integrate, commission, and support custom machine automation and control systems. You will collaborate with engineering and operations to deliver robust electrical designs.

This role requires an associate or technical degree in a related field, hands-on AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical experience, and travel up to 15% to support customer sites.

Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical degree, or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, Controls Technology, or a related technical field.
• Experience designing industrial control systems and machine electrical systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and electrical schematic development.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 15%.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States (visa sponsorship is not available).

Responsibilities

• Develop electrical hardware BOMs for machine automation projects.
• Select and specify controls hardware based on project requirements, customer standards, and proven OEM components.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts using AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Design systems with a focus on maintainability, ease of installation, and standardization.
• Support and direct panel assembly and machine integration activities.
• Collaborate with software engineers during startup, commissioning, and system validation.
• Perform testing, troubleshooting, and performance verification.
• Travel to customer sites to support equipment installations and commissioning activities.
• Lead, train, and mentor panel assemblers and machine integration technicians.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and customers to resolve technical issues.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and support for electrical hardware and wiring systems.
• Apply ANSI, IEC, OSHA, and customer-specific standards; promote safe machinery design.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and standardization.
• Support a continuous improvement culture throughout the organization.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Travel up to 15%

Education

Associate degree or technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology

Automation

Mechatronics

Controls Technology

Related technical field

Tools

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Position Overview

Controls & Automation Designer

RJS CorporationLocation: Akron, OHSalary Range: $70,000-$90,000 Travel: Up to 15%

Join Our Team

For more than 65 years, RJS has built its reputation on quality, innovation, teamwork, and customer service. We're seeking a Controls & Automation Designer to join our Engineering and Operations teams and play a key role in designing, integrating, commissioning, and supporting custom machine automation and control systems.

If you have experience designing industrial control systems, creating electrical schematics, and supporting machine startups, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Electrical Design & Documentation

• Develop electrical hardware Bills of Material (BOMs) for machine automation projects
• Select and specify controls hardware based on project requirements, customer standards, and proven OEM components
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts using AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical
• Design systems with a focus on maintainability, ease of installation, and standardization

Machine Integration & Commissioning

• Support and direct panel assembly and machine integration activities
• Collaborate with software engineers during startup, commissioning, and system validation
• Perform testing, troubleshooting, and performance verification
• Travel to customer sites to support equipment installations and commissioning activities

Leadership & Technical Support

• Lead, train, and mentor panel assemblers and machine integration technicians
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and customers to resolve technical issues
• Provide hands‑on troubleshooting and support for electrical hardware and wiring systems

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Apply ANSI, IEC, OSHA, and customer‑specific standards
• Promote safe machinery design and machine safety best practices
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and standardization
• Support a continuous improvement culture throughout the organization

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical degree, or equivalent experience in:
• Electrical Engineering Technology
• Automation
• Mechatronics
• Controls Technology
• Or a related technical field
• Experience designing industrial control systems and machine electrical systems
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and electrical schematic development
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 15%
• Legal authorization to work in the United States (visa sponsorship is not available)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with custom machinery, industrial automation systems, or capital equipment
• Experience using AutoCAD Electrical
• Knowledge of machine safety standards and risk assessments
• Experience leading panel assembly and machine integration activities
• Commissioning and startup experience in manufacturing or industrial environments

What Makes You Successful

• Practical engineering judgment
• Strong attention to detail
• Customer‑focused mindset
• System‑level thinking and troubleshooting skills
• Leadership and team‑building abilities
• Self‑motivation and ability to work independently
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement

Why RJS?

At RJS, our success is built on our core values:

• Work Smart, Work Safe
• RJS Pride - Quality and Service
• Reaching Success Through Teamwork
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement for Over 65 Years
• Own Our Work, Own the Market

Join a team where your ideas matter, your expertise is valued, and your contributions help deliver innovative automation solutions for industry‑leading customers.