Controls Engineer

MSI Express, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

MSI Express, Inc. is seeking a Controls Engineer based in Chicago, Illinois, responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing control systems for industrial automation. The role encompasses troubleshooting complex automation issues, programming control devices, and managing various related projects.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and significant experience in manufacturing. Skills in PLC programming, project management, and knowledge of Allen Bradley systems are highly desirable.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in a controls engineering role in manufacturing.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong background in process controls, SCADA systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate control systems for industrial automation equipment.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting for plant floor automation equipment.
• Manage controls-related projects ensuring adherence to timelines.

Skills

Control system design principles

Programming for PLCs

Troubleshooting skills

Knowledge of robotics

Familiarity with CMMS

Project management skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Allen Bradley control systems

Job description

Job Description

ROLE PURPOSE/ POSITION SUMMARY The Controls Engineer will be responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of controls and automation systems, working on a variety of industrial automation equipment including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and motion control systems. The role involves supporting continuous process and hybrid environments, batching, blending, material handling, and discrete manufacturing such as packaging equipment and robotic automation cells. Additionally the engineer will support electrical engineering efforts for facilities and building automation.

Key Accountabilities & Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• System Design and Integration: Design and integrate control systems including PLCs, HMIs and motion control for industrial automation equipment; deploy new control strategies in an ever evolving environment; develop automated systems from concept to implementation.
• Troubleshooting and Optimization: Provide advanced troubleshooting for plant floor automation equipment, identifying and resolving complex issues efficiently; optimize existing control systems for performance and efficiency.
• Programming and Software Development: Program PLCs, HMIs, robots and other control devices to meet system requirements; collaborate with corporate engineering on programming and software development for new capital projects.
• Collaboration and Continuous Improvement: Work with reliability engineers, maintenance technicians and cross‑functional teams to support continuous improvement initiatives; contribute to the development and implementation of new automation technologies.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for control systems, including engineering drawings, programming code and equipment records.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards and safety practices in design and implementation of control systems.
• Training and Development: Provide training to maintenance technicians and operators on operation and maintenance of control systems.
• Project Management: Manage and lead controls‑related projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Research and Technology Evaluation: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies and best practices in controls and automation.

Qualifications & Capability Profile

• Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation or a related field (or equivalent on‑the‑job work experience); 5‑8 years of experience in a controls engineering role in a manufacturing environment OR 3‑5 years in a systems/machine integrator role (preferred).
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Solid understanding of control system design principles and industrial automation; excellent programming skills for PLCs, HMIs and robotics; ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings; strong troubleshooting skills and knowledge of AC circuits, VFDs, low‑voltage control wiring, motors and panels; familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS); project management skills with ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; experience with Allen Bradley control systems (preferred); strong background in process controls, remote operations and SCADA systems (preferred); proficiency in AutoCAD for system design (preferred).

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

MSI Express is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.