Controls Engineer

Flex Tek; Abbeville (LA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Group plc in the United States is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, develop, program, commission, and support industrial control systems across manufacturing environments.

You will lead PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and networking solutions using Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, and Emerson platforms, collaborating with sales, engineering, and production teams to deliver reliable automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years in industrial automation/controls engineering.
• Hands-on programming across PLC platforms; HMI/SCADA development.

Responsibilities

• Design industrial control panels per UL 508A/UL698A/NEC and customer standards.
• Develop PLC/HMI/SCADA programs for multiple vendors.
• Configure industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus).
• Lead FAT/SAT, commissioning at customer sites, and testing.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Troubleshooting

Electrical safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics background

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

SolidWorks

Draftsight

Job description

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionCompany Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY: The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming, commissioning, and support of industrial control systems and control panels used in manufacturing, process, and automation environments. This role will lead the implementation of PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and industrial networking solutions utilizing Siemens, Emerson, ABB, and Allen-Bradley (et al) platforms. The engineer will work closely with customers, sales, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver reliable, safe, and compliant automation solutions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Control Panel Design

• Design industrial control panels in accordance with UL 508A, UL698A, NEC and applicable customer standards.
• Create and maintain panel layouts, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and bill of materials using Solidworks, Draftsight, EPLAN, ERP or similar software.
• Specify and select components including:
  • PLCs
  • HMIs
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
  • Motor starters
  • Safety relays
  • I/O devices
  • Industrial networking equipment

PLC & HMI Programming

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs utilizing:
  • Siemens S7-1200, S7-1500, ET200 platforms (TIA Portal)
  • Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix (Studio 5000 / RSLogix)
  • Emerson PACSystems and process automation platforms
  • ABB AC500 and distributed control technologies
  • Promote safety, continuous improvement, and LEAN problem-solving practices.
• Develop HMI and SCADA applications using:
  • Siemens WinCC
  • Rockwell FactoryTalk View
  • Emerson Operator Interface Solutions
  • ABB Automation Builder and visualization platforms
• Implement process control strategies including PID loops, sequencing, interlocks, alarming, and safety functions.

Industrial Networking and Integration

• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including:
  • Ethernet/IP
  • Profinet
  • Modbus TCP/IP
  • Modbus RTU
  • Profibus
  • OPC UA
• Integrate PLCs with:
  • SCADA systems
  • MES systems
  • Third-party automation equipment

Testing and Commissioning

• Perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Lead startup and commissioning activities at customer facilities.
• Troubleshoot electrical and automation systems during installation and production startup.
• Validate system performance against customer specifications and design requirements.
• Develop test procedures and commissioning documentation.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered
• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering
• Hands‑on programming and troubleshooting multiple platforms of PLCs.
• HMI/SCADA Development
• CAD experience, such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Troubleshooting of electrical and automation systems.
• Electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

UL 508A control panel design experience

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)