Controls Engineer

Engtal; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

0–5% travel

Work-life balance

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Engtal is partnering with a long-established custom machine builder in the Dayton area to expand its Controls Engineering team. The role offers a mix of PLC/HMI programming, electrical design, and equipment testing, with travel kept to 0–5% thanks to dedicated field service.

Suitable for junior to senior engineers, the position provides opportunities to develop PLC/HMI and electrical design skills, work on new equipment and retrofits, and collaborate with mechanical and manufacturing teams

Qualifications

• Electrical/controls engineering degree or equivalent.
• Experience in industrial automation and machinery.
• PLC programming and troubleshooting with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and perform testing.

Responsibilities

• PLC programming and troubleshooting using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000.
• HMI programming and development.
• Work with VFDs, motors, sensors, instrumentation and industrial networking.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Electrical design

Equipment testing

Industrial networking

Troubleshooting

Schematic reading

Education

Electrical/Controls/Automation Engineering degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Rockwell Automation

Job description

If you enjoy custom automation but don't enjoy spending half your life on the road, this is a pretty unique opportunity.

We're working with a long-established custom machine builder in the Dayton area that's expanding its Controls Engineering team and looking to hire multiple engineers across junior, mid, and senior levels. Dedicated field service teams handle most customer-site work, keeping Controls Engineering travel around 0–5%.

The role involves a mix of PLC/HMI programming, electrical design, and equipment testing, primarily using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell. Responsibilities will vary depending on your experience, with opportunities to develop your skills or take ownership of projects independently.

What you'll be working on

• PLC programming and troubleshooting, primarily Allen-Bradley / Studio 5000
• HMI programming and development
• VFDs, motors, sensors, instrumentation, and industrial networking
• New custom equipment, rebuilds, upgrades, and retrofits
• Equipment debugging, testing, and factory acceptance testing (FAT)
• Working with mechanical and manufacturing teams throughout the equipment lifecycle

What we're looking for

We're open to engineers at different stages of their careers. You don't need to check every box, especially if you're earlier in your career and looking to develop.

Relevant experience could include:

• Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical background
• Exposure to industrial automation, automated machinery, or manufacturing equipment
• PLC programming, troubleshooting, or familiarity with industrial controls systems
• Experience reading or developing electrical schematics
• Electrical design, equipment testing, or hands-on troubleshooting experience

Preferred, but not required:

• HMI development and programming
• Experience with VFDs, motors, industrial networking, and instrumentation
• Fluid-handling or process equipment involving pumps, valves, pressure, flow, and temperature controls
• Experience with custom machine building, systems integration, or full project lifecycle work

Why this opportunity stands out

• 0–5% travel – Dedicated field service team handles most customer-site work
• Work-life balance – Generally a 40-hour workweek with flexible start and finish times
• Multiple experience levels – Opportunities for junior, mid-level, and senior engineers
• Technical variety – Custom equipment across a range of industrial applications
• Career growth – Develop PLC/HMI and electrical design skills, take ownership of projects, or potentially grow into leadership
• Growing team – Strong project pipeline and multiple new engineering positions being added