Controls Engineer

Adecco Permanent Recruitment; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Adecco Permanent Recruitment seeks a driven Controls Engineer to support design, development, optimization, and maintenance of advanced manufacturing automation systems. You will work on new equipment launches, robotics integration, and continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced plant environment.

The role requires strong PLC/HMI programming, industrial automation expertise, and project management skills to collaborate across engineering, maintenance, and production teams and deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required.
• 3–5 years of controls engineering or industrial automation experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and vision systems.
• Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning and startup.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Create and maintain electrical drawings and technical standards.
• Provide training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Collaborate with maintenance, production, and external contractors.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Root cause analysis

Troubleshooting

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Omron

Pro-face

AutoCAD

Cognex

SICK

Turck

Banner

IAI

UR

SQL

Job description

We are seeking a driven and experienced Controls Engineer to support the design, development, optimization, and maintenance of advanced manufacturing automation systems. This role offers the opportunity to work on new equipment launches, automation projects, robotics integration, continuous improvement initiatives, and plant-wide controls support in a fast-paced production environment.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated problem solver with strong technical expertise in PLC programming, industrial automation, and project management who enjoys collaborating across engineering, maintenance, and production teams to deliver reliable, efficient manufacturing solutions.

What You'll Do:

• Design, develop, and implement control systems for manufacturing equipment and automated processes.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, and industrial networks.
• Lead and support automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and production startup.
• Investigate equipment and process failures, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage controls-related activities for new product launches and ensure project milestones are achieved.
• Provide technical support for production and non-production equipment to maximize uptime and reliability.
• Partner with maintenance teams to diagnose complex equipment issues and improve system performance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external contractors during equipment installations, upgrades, and facility projects.
• Participate in critical equipment and process reviews to identify risks and drive improvements.
• Develop and implement cost reduction, efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Create and maintain electrical drawings, controls documentation, and technical standards.
• Train maintenance and operations personnel on new equipment, systems, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Promote and maintain a safe, organized, and compliant work environment.

What You'll Need:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or industrial manufacturing environments.

Technical Skills

• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC and HMI platforms, including:
• Omron
• Pro-face
• Strong programming and troubleshooting skills in:
• Ladder Logic
• Structured Text
• SQL databases and servers
• Experience with industrial vision, sensing, robotics, and automation technologies, including familiarity with:
• Cognex
• SICK
• Turck
• Banner
• Omron
• IAI
• Universal Robots (UR)
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems, lean manufacturing principles, and production support processes.
• Experience using AutoCAD or similar drafting and design software.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience working with cross-functional and multicultural teams.
• Ability to effectively train and mentor others.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.

Why You'll Be Successful

You thrive in a hands-on manufacturing environment, enjoy solving complex automation challenges, and can balance day-to-day production support with long-term engineering projects. You are comfortable leading initiatives, collaborating with diverse teams, and driving improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records