Controls engineer

Cognify Global; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognify Global is seeking an experienced controls professional to join our team in Allentown, PA. This role blends hands-on engineering with technical leadership and full project ownership from design through startup and commissioning.

You will lead the design and implementation of industrial control systems, develop PLC/HMI/SCADA applications, and guide a team through system integration and deployment while maintaining strong customer engagement.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of controls, automation, or systems integration experience.
• Strong PLC/HMI programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience designing and commissioning industrial control systems.
• Knowledge of industrial networks, instrumentation, and controls hardware.
• Experience leading projects or mentoring junior engineers.
• Strong customer-facing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of industrial control and automation systems.
• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications.
• Define control system architecture, hardware requirements, and technical specifications.
• Lead system integration, testing, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing automation and manufacturing systems.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers.
• Work with customers and cross-functional teams to develop effective solutions.
• Prepare engineering documentation and control narratives.
• Take ownership of technical issues and drive projects to completion.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

SCADA

Project leadership

Mentoring

Customer communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Tools

PLC programming software

HMI software

SCADA software

Job description

This position is ideal for an experienced controls professional who enjoys a mix of hands‑on engineering, technical leadership, and project ownership. You’d be involved throughout the full project lifecycle, from system design and development through startup and commissioning.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the design and implementation of industrial control and automation systems
• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications
• Define control system architecture, hardware requirements, and technical specifications
• Lead system integration, testing, startup, and commissioning activities
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing automation and manufacturing systems
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers
• Work directly with customers and cross‑functional teams to develop effective solutions
• Prepare engineering documentation, functional specifications, and control narratives
• Take ownership of technical issues and drive projects through completion

Ideal background:

• 7+ years of Controls, Automation, or Systems Integration experience
• Strong PLC/HMI programming and troubleshooting experience
• Experience designing and commissioning industrial control systems
• Knowledge of industrial networks, instrumentation, and controls hardware
• Experience leading projects or mentoring junior engineers
• Strong customer-facing and communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field preferred
• Experience in process controls, manufacturing, or regulated environments is a plus

This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants to stay technically hands‑on while taking on greater responsibility for projects and engineering leadership.