Controls Engineer

CyberCoders; Columbia (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CyberCoders is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission industrial control systems for manufacturing processes. You will lead PLC and HMI development, troubleshoot issues, and drive robust automated solutions in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The role involves designing electrical schematics, performing FAT/SAT activities, and ensuring safety and reliability across systems. On-site work in a manufacturing environment is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven PLC programming and commissioning experience.
• Experience with HMIs and operator interfaces is required.
• Strong knowledge of control theory and industrial communication protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, test, and commission PLC logic and HMI applications.
• Develop and maintain electrical/control schematics and I/O lists.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems to improve reliability.
• Implement upgrades and retrofits with minimal downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define control requirements.
• Perform FAT and SAT; provide commissioning support and training.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and company policies.
• Provide preventive maintenance guidance and continuous improvement recommendations.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Cross-functional work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Control Systems or Mechatronics

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

Siemens

FactoryTalk/WinCC/Ignition

Job description

Controls Engineer

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission industrial control systems that ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of manufacturing processes and machinery. The ideal candidate will take ownership of PLC and HMI development, troubleshooting, and integration of control hardware and software, working closely with cross-functional teams to translate production requirements into robust automated solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, test, and commission PLC logic and HMI applications for new and existing automation systems.
• Develop and maintain electrical/control schematics, I/O lists, and functional design documentation.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize control systems to improve reliability and performance.
• Implement control system upgrades and retrofits while minimizing production downtime.
• Collaborate with mechanical, process, and maintenance teams to define control requirements and ensure seamless system integration.
• Perform factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT); provide commissioning support and operator training.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, industry codes, and company policies for control systems.
• Provide technical support, preventative maintenance guidance, and continuous improvement recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience programming and commissioning PLCs (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar).
• Experience developing HMIs and operator interfaces (e.g., FactoryTalk, WinCC, Ignition, or similar).
• Strong understanding of control theory, motor control, sensors, actuators, and industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, etc.).
• Experience with electrical schematics, panel design, and I/O wiring practices.
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work on-site for commissioning and to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Preferred: experience with safety PLCs, motion control, and PLC/HMI networking; relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Automation Professional).