Controls Engineer

United Pharma; North Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

United Pharma is seeking a motivated Controls Engineer to design, develop, install, and support PLC-based control systems in our Electrical and Controls Engineering department. You will work with PLC hardware and software to deliver reliable automation solutions.

You will design, document, and test control systems, provide technical support, and collaborate with Project Managers to ensure projects meet standards and deadlines; travel up to 40% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred but not required.
• Hands-on experience with industrial automation and control systems.
• Ability to develop PLC programs from scratch is preferred.
• Willingness to travel approximately 20–40% to customer sites.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain PLC-based control systems and equipment interfaces using platforms such as Siemens S7/S7F, TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and other programmable controllers.
• Develop PLC programs from the ground up using reusable, modular, transparent, and maintainable code.
• Design and document equipment functionality, system architecture, and interconnectivity to create efficient and reliable control systems.
• Provide technical support for PLC hardware, software, and control-system installations.
• Continuously evaluate and adopt new technologies, concepts, and engineering practices to improve system performance and capabilities.
• Meet regularly with Project Managers to review current assignments, project progress, priorities, and deliverables.
• Ensure all engineering activities follow the company’s established methods, standards, practices, and procedures.
• Develop a strong foundation in engineering principles and continuously expand technical knowledge and professional skills.
• Use available time effectively for technical training, hands-on exercises, and mentoring or shadowing experienced engineers.
• Maintain accurate task lists, project documentation, schedules, and engineering records.
• Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, organization, and a commitment to maintaining a productive work environment.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Electrical schematics

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Automation Engineering

Tools

RSLogix 5/500

Studio 5000

Siemens S7/S7F

TIA Portal

PROFINET / EtherNet/IP

Job description

We are seeking a motivated Controls Engineer who is interested in a long-term career opportunity and is eager to grow professionally. The ideal candidate will contribute to the expansion of the company’s services and solutions while developing their expertise within the Electrical and Controls Engineering department.

In this role, you will be responsible for reviewing, designing, developing, installing, and supporting electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. You will work extensively with PLC-based hardware and software to deliver reliable, efficient, and maintainable automation solutions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain PLC-based control systems and equipment interfaces using platforms such as Siemens S7/S7F, TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, and other programmable controllers.
• Develop PLC programs from the ground up using reusable, modular, transparent, and maintainable code.
• Design and document equipment functionality, system architecture, and interconnectivity to create efficient and reliable control systems.
• Provide technical support for PLC hardware, software, and control-system installations.
• Continuously evaluate and adopt new technologies, concepts, and engineering practices to improve system performance and capabilities.
• Meet regularly with Project Managers to review current assignments, project progress, priorities, and deliverables.
• Ensure all engineering activities follow the company’s established methods, standards, practices, and procedures.
• Develop a strong foundation in engineering principles and continuously expand technical knowledge and professional skills.
• Use available time effectively for technical training, hands‑on exercises, and mentoring or shadowing experienced engineers.
• Maintain accurate task lists, project documentation, schedules, and engineering records.
• Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, organization, and a commitment to maintaining a productive work environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Automation Engineering, or a related field preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience with industrial automation and control systems.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, Studio 5000, and/or Siemens S7, S7F, and TIA Portal.
• Ability to develop PLC programs independently from scratch is preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial communication and networking technologies such as PROFINET and EtherNet/IP is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 20–40% to customer sites as required.
• Strong ability to communicate technical concepts, facilitate discussions, and deliver presentations to technical audiences.
• Customer‑focused approach with a strong commitment to delivering quality solutions.
• Excellent time‑management, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced and dynamic business environment.
• Self‑motivated, results‑oriented, and proactive in identifying and resolving issues.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions when required.
• Strong teamwork and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively toward common goals.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Fluent English, with strong technical reading and writing abilities.