Controls Engineer

HSG Laser USA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

A leading laser cutting firm is seeking a Controls Engineer to develop and support electrical systems for manufacturing equipment. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 3+ years of experience in automation. Responsibilities include configuring CNC and PLC systems and ensuring safety compliance. Benefits include medical and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k). The position offers a salary range of $85,000 - $130,000 per year.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in machine controls and automation system engineering.
• Ability to travel for machine installations, if required.
• Experience with safety circuit design and risk assessment compliance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, integration, and support of electrical and control systems.
• Configure and debug CNC, PLC, and servo systems.
• Ensure machine control systems comply with safety standards.

Skills

Hands-on experience in machine controls

Proficiency in PLC and CNC platforms

Troubleshooting and analysis abilities

Knowledge of industrial protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff

Siemens

Fanuc

Job description

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer will lead the development, integration, and support of electrical and control systems for custom laser cutting and manufacturing equipment. This role involves configuring CNC and PLC systems, debugging machine controls, and ensuring safety and automation logic compliance. The ideal candidate will work hands-on to bring advanced equipment online and troubleshoot real-time system issues.

Base pay range

$85,000.00/yr - $130,000.00/yr

Key Responsibilities

• Review, verify, and modify electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Configure and debug CNC, PLC, and servo systems (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, Fanuc, etc.).
• Write, test, and troubleshoot logic for machine automation, safety interlocks, and motion systems.
• Integrate auxiliary systems (e.g., IPG lasers, chiller units, sensors) into the machine control environment.
• Manage communication protocols across machine and automation platforms (e.g., EtherCAT, ProfiBUS, Ethernet/IP).
• Ensure machine control systems comply with applicable safety and code standards (NEC, NFPA 79, OSHA).
• Collaborate with mechanical and software engineering teams during machine commissioning and production handover.
• Maintain detailed documentation of logic, configurations, and electrical changes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in machine controls and automation system engineering.
• Strong proficiency in PLC and CNC platforms, including configuration and logic development.
• Experience with industrial protocols and system communication standards.
• Ability to troubleshoot, analyze, and resolve hardware/software integration issues on-site.
• Experience with safety circuit design and risk assessment compliance preferred.
• Ability to travel for machine installations, if required.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering

Industries

• Industrial Machinery Manufacturing

HSG is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race (including associated hairstyles), color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, genetic information, military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, order of protection status, pregnancy, arrest record, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.