Controls Engineer

Jobtailor; Oregon (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking an experienced controls engineer to support automation projects across manufacturing environments in the United States. You will design and implement automation controls, program PLC/SCADA systems, and develop design specifications, test plans, and commissioning procedures.

The role requires 3+ years of direct experience, a solid grasp of UL508A panel fabrication, I&C, and engineering documentation, plus readiness to travel for site work and start‑ups.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of controls engineer experience in manufacturing automation.
• Experience designing automation control systems (PLC/SCADA).
• Strong understanding of UL508A panel fabrication.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and controls (I&C) and engineering docs (P&IDs, PFDs).
• Willingness to travel for projects, installations, and startups.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Support capital projects and implement automation solutions.
• Develop design specs, configure software, test, and commission systems.
• Design automation control systems and create project documentation.
• Diagnose automation problems and interface with clients and vendors.
• Program PLCs and HMI/SCADA systems.
• Manage project deliverables, schedules, and site startup activities.
• Validate and turnover systems to customers.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA programming

Technical writing

Project coordination

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering or similar

Tools

UL 508A

P&ID CAD drafting

Job description

Responsibilities

• You’ll work individually and in teams to support capital projects and implement solutions for our clients.
• Develop automation solutions and participate in various phases of automation projects including creating design specifications, software configuration and testing, and the commissioning and start‑up of a variety of high speed and other automated manufacturing processes.
• Design automation control systems and create project documentation and drawings to meet client requirements.
• Diagnose automation problems.
• Interface with teams, clients and vendors.
• Configure software and hardware packages according to client design specifications.
• Program PLCs (Allen‑Bradley, Rockwell, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA (FactoryTalk, Cimplicity, Wonderware, Ignition).
• Communicate plan progress to project stakeholders.
• Manage engineering projects.
• Manage project deliverables to agreed schedule and scope.
• Manage site construction and installation.
• Manage site start‑up support of integrated control systems.
• Validate and commission facility systems following established execution protocols, and ensure the successful turnover of the system to the customer.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3+ years of direct experience as a controls engineer working on automated processes/system integration in a food, beverage, consumer health product, or other industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience in creating and designing automation controls systems (PLC, SCADA).
• A solid understanding of industrial control panel design and fabrication (UL508A).
• A solid understanding of instrumentation and controls (I&C).
• A solid understanding of engineering documentation (P&IDs, process flow diagram, standard operating procedures).
• Familiarity with machine safety applications, electrical power distribution, and control panel design.
• Proficiency in written and verbal technical communication, including generating reports and conducting group presentations.
• A willingness to travel for project requirements including installation and start‑up activities, client and company sponsored meetings, trainings, industry related seminars, forums, and conventions.
• A bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, chemical engineering or similar technical field (preferred).

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing automation control systems, including PLC and SCADA programming, while effectively managing engineering projects and communicating with stakeholders. Proficient in creating engineering documentation and ensuring compliance with industry standards.