Controls Engineer

Columbus McKinnon; Menomonee Falls (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus McKinnon in Menomonee Falls, WI is seeking a Controls Engineer to develop and support electrical specifications for new and existing equipment. The role focuses on PLC, HMI, and VFD programming, with emphasis on designing controls and drawings to ensure reliable operation.

The candidate will create schematics, wire diagrams, and BOMs, and collaborate with engineers to meet project scope, standards, and schedules. Travel to customer sites up to 30% is required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience with electrical systems or manufacturing experience.
• 2+ years' experience working with CAD Electrical.

Responsibilities

• Design schematic diagrams and wiring diagrams using CAD tools.
• Develop and modify PLC, HMI, and VFD control programs.
• Create BOMs and maintain control drawings and documentation.
• Coordinate with engineers to ensure design accuracy and standards.
• Travel to customer sites up to 30% for system start-ups.
• Support factory floor integration and troubleshooting of controls.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

CAD Electrical

Electrical systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Job description

Job Summary/Overview

The Controls Engineer supports and develops controls and electrical specifications for all new and existing equipment. This position is responsible for creating, modifying, and supporting PLC's, HMI's, and VFD's.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, panel layout drawings, etc. using CAD.
• Design and interpret PLC code for customized material handling applications.
• Specify and verify controls requirements on new equipment and existing equipment retrofits including maintenance of accurate controls drawings and documentation.
• Perform PLC programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Partner with engineers regarding project accuracy, design, standards, and design documentation.
• Complete project responsibilities within scope, budget, and schedule.
• Create bills of materials that include control enclosure, components, and wire.
• Act as a technical resource for internal and external customers.
• Participate on cross-functional teams to ensure the continuous, on‑going improvement of processes, methods, productivity, and quality, while reducing costs.
• Create drawings from written and verbal specifications.
• Partner with production as a technical resource.
• Inspect shop panels for correct wiring and set up.
• Resolve any engineering issues as they arise in fabrication, assembly, and service.
• Observe safety procedures and meet electrical codes.
• Travel to customer sites to start up automated systems, to include adjustment/set‑up of drives and control devices, point‑to‑point wire check out, check out of PLC code, etc. Travel up to 30%.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

• A team player that seeks input from others and contributes to the team effort to achieve a common goal.
• Attention to detail. Achieves thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task through concern for all areas involved.
• Ability to build relationships both internally and externally to support customer needs.
• Practice good housekeeping and appropriate measures to increase efficiency in a lean manufacturing environment as well as prevent negative impacts on the equipment.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and approach tasks with a sense of urgency.
• Experience with SolidWorks, AutoCAD and Enterprise Resource Planning systems

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field required.
• 2+ years' experience with electrical systems or manufacturing experience required.
• 2+ years' experience working with CAD Electrical required.