Controls Engineer

Purple Hires Inc; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Purple Hires Inc. is seeking a skilled controls engineer to design, implement and support industrial control systems at customer sites in North Berwick, Maine.

You will work onsite with some potential for remote work, collaborating across manufacturing, quality, and IT to ensure reliable data flow and system performance. Responsibilities include configuring Kepware and OPC communications, developing HMI/SCADA dashboards, and integrating shop-floor equipment with MES/ERP and cloud platforms.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Siemens S7-1200/1500 PLCs and TIA Portal.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000 platforms.
• Kepware configuration and OPC communications knowledge.
• Experience with OPC UA, Modbus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP.
• PLC programming in ladder logic, structured text, function block.
• Experience integrating controls with MES/ERP/cloud (Azure IoT).
• Ability to read electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Familiarity with aerospace equipment CNC/inspection tools.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; strong teamwork and self-management.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and support industrial control systems using Siemens S7/TIA Portal and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Configure Kepware for secure data acquisition and MES/SCADA/ERP integration.
• Develop and troubleshoot HMI/SCADA systems (WinCC, FactoryTalk, Ignition).
• Integrate shop floor equipment with IT/OT using OPC UA/DA, MQTT, and other protocols.
• Diagnose and resolve controls-related downtime to improve reliability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and IT for data flow.
• Deliver scalable dashboards, alerts, and reports with Manufacturing Engineering.
• Support machine connectivity projects for CNCs and inspection equipment.
• Ensure Ignition/Kepware deployments follow cybersecurity and AS9100 standards.
• Document system architecture, tag hierarchies, data mapping, and changes.
• Troubleshoot and continuously improve live production systems.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Skills

Siemens PLCs

Rockwell Automation

Kepware OPC

Industrial protocols

Ladder logic

Structured text

Function block

MES/ERP/cloud integration

Electrical schematics

CNC equipment

Office suite

Cross-functional teamwork

Independent work

Job description

This is an onsite position and will require working in our customers' facilities located in North Berwick, Maine with some potential for work from home.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and support industrial control systems leveraging Siemens (S7, TIA Portal) and Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) platforms
• Configure and maintain Kepware (KEPServerEX) for secure data acquisition and integration with MES, SCADA, and enterprise systems
• Develop and troubleshoot HMI/SCADA systems (WinCC, FactoryTalk, Ignition) for real-time monitoring and control
• Integrate shop floor equipment with IT/OT systems using OPC UA/DA, MQTT, and industrial communication protocols
• Diagnose and resolve controls-related issues on production equipment to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, quality, IT) to ensure seamless system integration and data flow
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and IT to understand use cases and deliver scalable dashboards, alerts, and reports.
• Support machine connectivity projects for CNCs, CMMs, test rigs, and legacy aerospace manufacturing equipment.
• Ensure all Ignition/Kepware deployments follow AS9100 and cybersecurity compliance standards (NIST 800-171, ISA/IEC 62443, etc.).
• Document system architecture, tag hierarchies, data mapping, and change management procedures.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and continuously improve live systems supporting production-critical operations.
• Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs (S7-1200/1500, TIA Portal, WinCC)
• Strong experience with Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation platforms (Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000 programming, ControlLogix / CompactLogix PLCs, FactoryTalk View (SE/ME))
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Kepware (KEPServerEX) configuration, drivers, and OPC communications
• Experience with industrial protocols such as OPC UA, Modbus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP
• Proficiency in PLC programming (ladder logic, structured text, function block)
• Experience integrating controls systems with MES, ERP, or cloud platforms (e.g., Azure IoT, ThingWorx)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs
• Familiarity with CNC and inspection equipment typically used in aerospace manufacturing (e.g., Mazak, Okuma, Zeiss CMM, etc.).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally in a team environment.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision