Controls Engineer

Ms Companies, LLC; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Ms Companies, LLC in Columbus, IN is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to design, program, startup, and deploy automated manufacturing systems for a confidential client in industrial automation.

The ideal candidate has 2–5 years of hands-on experience with PLCs (Allen-Bradley/ControlLogix preferred), robotics or vision systems, and the ability to read electrical schematics, troubleshoot, and support system integration on-site.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years hands-on experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.
• Experience with PLC systems (Allen-Bradley/ControlLogix preferred).
• Exposure to PLC programming (not solely troubleshooting/maintenance).
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Program and support PLC systems for custom automation equipment.
• Support integration of robotics and vision systems into automated processes.
• Assist with equipment startup, commissioning, testing, and customer acceptance.
• Support electrical system design including control panels, circuits, and wiring.
• Perform system debugging, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to bring equipment into operation.
• Assist in development of technical documentation and training materials.
• Communicate project status and technical updates with internal teams and customers.

Skills

Experience 2-5 yrs

PLC Systems

Robotics & Vision

Schematic Reading

Safety Circuits

Troubleshooting

U.S. Work Authorization

Read Electrical Drawings

Tools

AutoCAD

SQL Server

Job description

Location: Columbus, IN (On-site | Relocation Not Available)

Salary Range: Competitive; commensurate with experience

Job Summary:

We are supporting a confidential client within the industrial automation and custom equipment space seeking a Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, startup, and deployment of automated manufacturing systems.

This is a hands-on, project-based role ideal for a Controls Engineer with approximately 2-5 years of experience who enjoys working across PLC programming, robotics, vision systems, and electrical integration. This is not a plant maintenance role — engineers are involved throughout the full equipment lifecycle, from concept and programming through commissioning, testing, and customer acceptance.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in controls troubleshooting and system support, along with exposure to programming and system integration, and a desire to grow into full project ownership.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 2-5 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation or controls engineering
• Experience with PLC systems (Allen-Bradley / ControlLogix strongly preferred)
• Exposure to PLC programming (not solely troubleshooting/maintenance)
• Experience working with industrial robotics and/or vision systems (Fanuc, Keyence, Cognex, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
• Working knowledge of industrial safety circuits
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with HMI development and/or motion control systems
• Exposure to system startup, commissioning, and equipment runoffs
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar electrical design tools
• Experience supporting control panel design, wiring, and field integration
• Exposure to SQL Server or basic database integration
• Comfortable supporting projects outside of standard first shift as needed

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Program and support PLC systems for custom automation equipment
• Support integration of robotics and vision systems into automated processes
• Assist with equipment startup, commissioning, testing, and customer acceptance
• Support electrical system design including control panels, circuits, and wiring
• Perform system debugging, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to bring equipment into operation
• Assist in development of technical documentation and training materials
• Communicate project status and technical updates with internal teams and customers

Physical and Environment Requirements

Physical expectations and working conditions associated with the job may include standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods; lifting up to 30-50 lbs; and working in a manufacturing or industrial environment. This role may include hands-on work on the shop floor and occasional support during equipment installation and startup.

Company Benefits & Culture

• Competitive compensation aligned to experience and market conditions
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
• Opportunity to work on custom, non-repetitive automation systems
• Hands-on engineering environment with strong exposure to full project lifecycle
• Collaborative team culture with opportunities for technical growth and advancement