Controls Engineer

Softworld, a Kelly Company; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Softworld, a Kelly Company is seeking a Controls Engineer in Seattle, WA for a contract position lasting over a year. This opportunity involves working on cutting-edge robotic platforms, emphasizing automation systems and advanced motion control technologies.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with engineering teams, focusing on design, development, and integration of robotic control systems, ensuring performance enhancements in automated environments.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of industrial controls or controls engineering experience.
• Strong experience with PLC development and troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting motion applications involving electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuators.
• Hands-on experience with robotic or automated equipment environments.

Responsibilities

• Designing and developing industrial control and motion systems for robotic applications.
• Programming and debugging PLC-based automation solutions.
• Supporting system integration, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting efforts.
• Working directly with robotic hardware, actuators, sensors, and custom automation equipment.
• Running experiments, gathering operational data, and implementing performance improvements.
• Collaborating across engineering disciplines to support new robotic workflows and system enhancements.
• Providing onsite laboratory support with occasional travel to pilot deployment locations.

Skills

PLC Programming

CodeSys

Structured Text (IEC 61131-3)

EtherCAT

Motion Control Systems

Robotics & Automation Systems

Control Sensors

Custom Robotic Hardware / Robotic Arms

Python or C++

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Robotics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Controls, or related field

Job description

Our client is a global technology leader focused on advancing automation, intelligent systems, and next-generation robotics solutions that support large-scale operational environments. Their engineering teams are building highly sophisticated robotic platforms that combine software, controls, motion systems, and automation technologies to transform how products move through modern fulfillment and logistics networks.

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Location: Seattle, WA (Near Downtown)

Job Type: Contract

Project Length: 1 year+

This opportunity is ideal for a Controls Engineer who enjoys working hands‑on with robotics, automation systems, and advanced motion control technologies. The role offers the chance to contribute to cutting‑edge robotic platforms while collaborating with highly technical cross‑functional engineering teams in a fast‑paced innovation environment.

The engineer in this role will support the design, development, integration, testing, and operational support of robotic control systems used in automated environments. You will work closely with robotics software engineers, systems engineers, and technical leadership to develop scalable motion control solutions and help bring new robotic technologies from concept through deployment.

Responsibilities

• Designing and developing industrial control and motion systems for robotic applications
• Programming and debugging PLC‑based automation solutions
• Supporting system integration, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting efforts
• Working directly with robotic hardware, actuators, sensors, and custom automation equipment
• Running experiments, gathering operational data, and implementing performance improvements
• Collaborating across engineering disciplines to support new robotic workflows and system enhancements
• Providing onsite laboratory support with occasional travel to pilot deployment locations

Technologies & Skills

• PLC Programming
• CodeSys
• Structured Text (IEC 61131‑3)
• EtherCAT
• Motion Control Systems
• Robotics & Automation Systems
• Control Sensors
• Custom Robotic Hardware / Robotic Arms
• Python or C++

Required Background

• 3+ years of industrial controls or controls engineering experience
• Strong experience with PLC development and troubleshooting
• Experience supporting motion applications involving electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuators
• Hands‑on experience with robotic or automated equipment environments
• Bachelor’s Degree in Robotics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Controls, or related field

This is an excellent opportunity to work on highly visible robotics initiatives while contributing to technology that is redefining automation at scale.