Controls Engineer

Genuine Search Group; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A client in automation solutions is seeking a Controls Engineer to design and develop control systems for custom automation equipment. The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics, with at least 3 years of experience in controls engineering. Responsibilities include programming PLCs, integrating industrial robots, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The role requires about 50% travel and offers opportunities for technical leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in controls engineering for custom automation.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and debug complex automated systems.
• Comfortable with roughly 50% travel for project work.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems architecture for custom automation equipment.
• Program PLCs for machine control and sequencing.
• Support machine debug and troubleshooting during build and installation.

Skills

PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)

Industrial robot programming (FANUC, ABB)

Debugging and troubleshooting

Electrical schematics understanding

Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

Job description

Overview

Our client designs and builds custom automation solutions for a wide range of industries including automotive, medical device, consumer products, and electronics. They continue to grow and diversify their business leading to their growth.

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing control systems for custom automation equipment. This includes PLC, HMI, and robot programming, as well as system integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, hands-on experience with various automation platforms, and a passion for solving complex engineering challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems architecture for custom automation equipment.
• Program PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron) for machine control and sequencing.
• Develop HMI/SCADA applications (e.g., FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition) for operator interfaces.
• Program and integrate industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, KUKA) for automated processes such as assembly, material handling, and inspection.
• Perform system integration of PLCs, HMIs, robots, vision systems, motion controllers, and other automation hardware.
• Support machine debug, FAT, and SAT activities.
• Troubleshoot electrical and control system issues during build and after installation.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, electrical designers, and project managers to deliver projects on time and within scope.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation including functional specifications, IO lists, electrical schematics, and operation manuals.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable safety standards (e.g., NFPA 79, ISO 13849, OSHA).

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in controls engineering for custom automation.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with industrial robot programming (FANUC, ABB, etc.) is a bonus
• Proven ability to debug, troubleshoot, and optimize complex automated systems.
• Comfortable with roughly 50% travel for project work
• Familiarity with industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, etc.).
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics and control panel design.

Preferred:

• Experience with vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
• Experience with safety systems and risk assessments.
• Familiarity with motion control and servo systems.