Controls Engineer

Smithsgroup2; Royal Pines (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithsgroup2 in United States is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, develop, program, commission, and support industrial control systems and control panels for manufacturing and automation environments.

You will lead PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and networking solutions across Siemens, Emerson, ABB, and Allen-Bradley platforms, collaborating with customers, sales, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver safe, compliant automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.
• Hands-on programming across PLC platforms.
• HMI/SCADA development experience.
• CAD experience with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Knowledge of electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures.

Responsibilities

• Design and panel layouts per UL 508A, UL698A, NEC.
• Develop PLC and HMI/SCADA programs.
• Support commissioning and FAT/SAT activities.
• Integrate PLCs with SCADA/MES systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical and automation systems.
• Configure industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus).

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Electrical CAD

Industrial automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

SolidWorks

Draftsight

TIA Portal

RSLogix/Studio 5000

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming, commissioning, and support of industrial control systems and control panels used in manufacturing, process, and automation environments. This role will lead the implementation of PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and industrial networking solutions utilizing Siemens, Emerson, ABB, and Allen-Bradley (et al) platforms. The engineer will work closely with customers, sales, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver reliable, safe, and compliant automation solutions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Control Panel Design

Design industrial control panels in accordance with UL 508A, UL698A, NEC and applicable customer standards.

Create and maintain panel layouts, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and bill of materials using Solidworks, Draftsight, EPLAN, ERP or similar software.

Specify and select components including:

• PLCs
• HMIs
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Motor starters
• Safety relays
• I/O devices
• Industrial networking equipment

PLC & HMI Programming

Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs utilizing: Siemens S7-1200, S7-1500, ET200 platforms (TIA Portal)

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix (Studio 5000 / RSLogix)

Emerson PACSystems and process automation platforms

ABB AC500 and distributed control technologies

Promote safety, continuous improvement, and LEAN problem-solving practices.

Develop HMI and SCADA applications using:

• Siemens WinCC
• Rockwell FactoryTalk View
• Emerson Operator Interface Solutions
• ABB Automation Builder and visualization platforms

Implement process control strategies including PID loops, sequencing, interlocks, alarming, and safety functions.

Industrial Networking and Integration

Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including:

• Ethernet/IP
• Profinet
• Modbus TCP/IP
• Modbus RTU
• Profibus
• OPC UA

Integrate PLCs with:

• SCADA systems
• MES systems
• Third-party automation equipment

Testing and Commissioning

Perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).

Lead startup and commissioning activities at customer facilities.

Troubleshoot electrical and automation systems during installation and production startup.

Validate system performance against customer specifications and design requirements.

Develop test procedures and commissioning documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.
• Hands-on programming and troubleshooting multiple platforms of PLCs.
• HMI/SCADA Development.
• CAD experience, such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Troubleshooting of electrical and automation systems.
• Electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• UL 508A control panel design experience.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.