Controls Engineer

North Coast Container-Charlotte; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

North Coast Container-Charlotte is seeking a Controls Engineer to own automation projects from sketch to startup. You will design, program, install, and improve PLCs, HMIs, safety systems and MES data collection on the plant floor.

The role requires 5+ years in manufacturing controls, strong ladder-logic skills on Allen‑Bradley platforms, and proficiency with AutoCAD and project management tools. OA/NEC compliance and cross‑functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in electrical or mechanical engineering or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of hands-on controls engineering in manufacturing.
• Strong programming and troubleshooting on PLCs, HMIs, safety devices and automated equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, commission and improve PLC programs, HMI applications, safety systems and MES data collection.
• Design control-system architecture including panels, electrical hardware, instrumentation, networks and communication protocols.
• Troubleshoot controls, electrical and mechanical issues hands-on to restore production safely.
• Write and test ladder logic on Allen-Bradley platforms and build intuitive HMI screens.
• Design electrical schematics, panel layouts and specifications, sizing components and identifying spare parts.
• Manage capital and improvement projects from concept through startup within scope, schedule, and budget.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Safety systems

MES data collection

Ladder logic (Allen-Bradley)

Electrical troubleshooting

Project management

Communication & coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering

Associate degree with relevant experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Job description

About the RoleWant to own automation work from the first sketch to startup? As our Controls Engineer, you’ll design, program, install and improve the control systems that keep our plant running. You’ll work on the plant floor and own projects from start to finish. Your work will make our equipment more reliable, cut downtime and keep the plant safe. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Maintenance and Production.What You’ll DoDevelop, commission and improve PLC programs, HMI applications, safety systems and MES data collectionDesign control-system architecture, including panels, electrical hardware, instrumentation, networks and communication protocolsTroubleshoot controls, electrical and mechanical issues hands-on to get production back up safelyWrite and test ladder logic that is maintainable and reusable, mainly on Allen-Bradley platformsBuild HMI screens that make complex machinery and processes easy to runDesign industrial control panels to NFPA 79, NEC and UL 508A requirementsCreate and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, drawings and specificationsSelect and size components and recommend spare partsUse machine alarms, status and process data to improve reliability and performanceManage capital and improvement projects on scope, schedule, quality and budget, from concept through startup and handoffWhat You BringBachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field. We’ll also consider an associate degree with relevant experience, or an equivalent mix of education and experience.5+ years of hands-on controls engineering experience in manufacturingAdvanced skill programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, safety devices and automated equipmentAdvanced ladder-logic and Allen-Bradley PLC experienceStrong electrical and mechanical knowledge and solid mechanical aptitudeExperience managing several projects at once and implementing equipment, process or facility improvementsWorking knowledge of OSHA requirements and industrial electrical standardsProficiency with AutoCAD, Microsoft Office and Microsoft ProjectStrong troubleshooting, organizational and communication skills, and the ability to juggle competing prioritiesNice to HaveLean manufacturing or Six SigmaISO 9001 quality systemsCMMS experienceIndustrial ovens and NFPA 86Experience with machine diagnostics or improving manufacturing data visibilitySchedule & Work EnvironmentFirst shift, with occasional off-shift and on-call supportRegular plant-floor presence in an active manufacturing environmentOccasional travel to other company locationsWhy Join UsYou’ll have broad ownership of controls and automation work, from design and installation through troubleshooting and continuous improvement. Your work will shape the plant’s equipment reliability, production performance and safety for years to come.