Controls Engineer

Automated Systems of Tacoma; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Automated Systems of Tacoma seeks a Controls Engineer to design, develop, implement, and maintain complex automated fill-finish equipment and related digital services. You will lead control-system development using PLCs, HMI platforms, vision systems, and smart technologies for manufacturing automation.

You will collaborate across teams, perform testing and documentation, and support installation and startup at customer sites. The role requires travel up to 15% and a strong electrical background.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience with PLCs, HMI designs, industrial communications, and smart machine tech.
• Travel up to 15% domestically and internationally as needed.
• Strong understanding of machine control systems and testing environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems for complex automated systems using PLCs, robotics, HMIs, vision systems, and related technologies.
• Develop software, schematics, control systems, and smart technologies for automation and digital products.
• Take product designs from concept through market-ready solutions.
• Collaborate with peers, vendors, and platforms to deliver controls solutions.
• Test, evaluate, and report on new products and systems.
• Create operations, maintenance manuals, and technical documentation.
• Assist with installation, startup, and acceptance testing at customer sites.
• Maintain technical records and test results for design history.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI design

Machine vision

AI / ML in manufacturing

Electrical engineering fundamentals

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or engineering curriculum

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC Platform

AutoCAD

MS Office

Job description

Controls Engineer

At AST, we enhance the efficiency, productivity, and safety of flexible aseptic manufacturing processes for the worldwide Life Science Industry by offering innovative products, services, and solutions.

Do you want to contribute to a shared vision and mission? Would you like to bring your unique talents to have a significant impact on a growing company? At AST we strive to build a workplace that enables every team member to meet and exceed their capabilities. We set our expectations high and provide the environment and resources necessary to bring out the very best.

Competitive compensation range for onsite WA applicants is $70,000 to $120,000. All applicants are welcome to apply.

Employee benefits include: Medical (HSA & PPO), Paid Dental, Vision, HSA account with employer contribution, (eligible the first of the month following your date of hire), Long/Short term disability, 401(K) (Traditional & Roth options) with up to 5% company match (eligible 90 days after date of hire), Education Assistance, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holiday, and bonus potential. All benefits on this page are subject to change.

What will I be doing?

As a controls engineer at AST, you design, develop, implement, and maintain complex automated pharmaceutical fill-finish equipment and digital services and products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop control systems for complex automated systems using programmable logic controllers (PLC), robotic systems, human machine interface (HMI) platforms, vision systems, and other advanced technologies.
• Develop complex software, schematics, control systems, and smart technologies for machine automation, digital products and services.
• Take design of products from conceptual phase to practical solution, to market.
• Work closely with peers, vendors and technology platforms to provide controls and technological solutions.
• Perform testing, evaluation, and reporting on new products and systems.
• Write operations and maintenance manuals and other technical documents.
• Participate in the installation, startup, , and acceptance testing of equipment at customer sites
• Maintain technical records, test results, and documentation in support of design and/or performance history.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accredited electrical engineering or engineering curriculum, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with common industrial programming languages, HMI designs, industrial communications, smart machine, AI/machine learning, machine automation hardware/software, and advanced sensory systems including machine vision.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 15%, determined by company need.
• Understand industrial machinery specifications and standards.
• Knowledge of machine control system design and the testing environment with a strong electrical acumen.
• Skilled with computer software - Allen-Bradley PLC Platform, AutoCAD, MS Office (Word, -Excel, PowerPoint).
• A collaborative team player who plays well with others, interdepartmentally and cross functionally to achieve company goals.
• A strategic thinker who enjoys innovation and problem solving and goes above and beyond to identify root causes.
• Self-motivated, energetic, and disciplined, with keen attention to detail.
• Character that complements AST's long-standing culture of high integrity throughout all areas of internal and external business activity.
• Senior roles may include more lead responsibilities.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be willing to take and successfully pass a drug test.
• Must be willing to submit to and successfully pass a background check.

AST is proud of our team. Providing challenging and rewarding work, with opportunities for personal/professional development is our key to this longevity.

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Tacoma, WA

AST is an equal opportunity employer.