Controls Engineer

RM Palmer Company, LLC; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Three weeks vacation

Affordable medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) contribution with match

Job summary

RM Palmer Company, LLC in Reading, Berks County, is looking for a Controls Engineer to lead the design and implementation of automation systems. You will work closely with production teams to enhance efficiency and ensure compliance with safety standards.

This role requires extensive experience with PLC and SCADA systems, along with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Benefits include generous vacation time and affordable medical coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in engineering or a closely related field.
• 7–10 years of engineering experience in an industrial setting.
• Extensive experience with PLC platforms like Allen-Bradley or Siemens.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of advanced automation systems.
• Troubleshoot complex controls and programming issues.
• Collaborate with production teams to optimize automation.

Skills

Industrial controls engineering

PLC programming

HMI and SCADA systems

Electrical schematics

Automation project management

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, programming, integration, and optimization of advanced automated control systems within a manufacturing environment. This role serves as a technical expert for automation initiatives, equipment reliability, and process improvement efforts. The Controls Engineer partners with production, maintenance, engineering, and external vendors to implement scalable automation solutions that improve safety, quality, operational efficiency, and overall equipment performance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, program, implement, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, servo, and motion control systems for manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Lead automation projects including equipment upgrades, line integrations, and new system installations from concept through commissioning.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, network layouts, control narratives, and technical documentation.
• Serve as the primary controls and automation resource for troubleshooting complex electrical and programming issues.
• Optimize automation systems to improve uptime, throughput, safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Configure and maintain industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, DeviceNet, ProfiNet, or similar protocols.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to establish best practices for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
• Support capital expenditure projects by developing technical specifications, evaluating vendors, and managing system implementation.
• Ensure compliance with electrical standards, machine safety requirements, and company policies.
• Analyze production data and equipment performance trends to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Mentor maintenance technicians on controls systems and automation technologies.
• Coordinate with OEMs, integrators, and contractors during equipment installations and major projects.
• Maintain revision control for software backups, electrical drawings, and system configurations.
• Participate in strategic planning related to manufacturing automation and process modernization initiatives.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical discipline required.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in industrial controls engineering and automation within a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive hands‑on experience programming and troubleshooting PLC platforms such as Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Siemens, or equivalent systems.
• Strong experience with HMI and SCADA platforms including FactoryTalk, Wonderware, Ignition, WinCC, or similar systems.
• Advanced knowledge of industrial networking, VFDs, servo systems, robotics, instrumentation, and motion control technologies.
• Proven experience leading automation projects, equipment startups, and system integrations.
• Ability to read, create, and modify electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Strong understanding of NFPA, NEC, OSHA, and industrial machine safety standards.
• Experience supporting high‑speed manufacturing, packaging, or process equipment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities independently.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent drafting software preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work in alignment with company core values by taking initiative, driving results, embracing continuous improvement, maintaining accountability and ownership, contributing to a high‑performing team environment, and delivering exceptional internal and external customer experiences.

Why Join Us?

• Three weeks vacation to start so you can recharge.
• Affordable benefits starting at $19 per week for medical, dental, and vision.
• Company 401(k) contribution with match to help you save for the future.

If you are passionate about collaboration, continuous learning, and creating products that bring joy to others, we encourage you to apply.