Controls Engineer

Pipeline Design & Engineering; Tempe (AZ); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Bonus based on performance

Company parties

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Free food & snacks

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Profit sharing

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

Pipeline Design & Engineering is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, build, and troubleshoot control systems for custom automation within its Tempe-based operations. The role collaborates with mechanical engineers and customers to move projects from concept through commissioning.

The position involves hands-on problem solving across software and hardware, with flexible work options and a strong emphasis on safety, documentation, and project ownership.

Responsibilities

• Program PLCs using ladder logic, structured text, and other industrial programming languages.
• Develop and configure HMIs for machine operation, setup, alarms, diagnostics, and data display.
• Design electrical control systems and create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and related documentation.
• Select and integrate controls hardware including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motors, safety devices, and other industrial components.
• Program and integrate industrial and collaborative robots for material handling, assembly, dispensing, inspection, and testing.
• Integrate vision systems, scanners, instrumentation, and other peripheral equipment.
• Configure communication between PLCs, robots, HMIs, drives, and other devices.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, communication, and automation hardware issues during machine build and commissioning.
• Develop machine sequences, interlocks, alarms, fault handling, and safety logic.
• Support machine wiring, system checkout, testing, FAT, installation, and commissioning.
• Work closely with mechanical engineers and technicians to develop complete custom automation and test systems.
• Create clear, maintainable code and documentation and take ownership of controls-related technical challenges.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical control design

Robot integration

Vision systems

Industrial networking

Tools

PLC software

Electrical schematics

Job description

• 401(k)
• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Free food & snacks
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

As a Controls Engineer at Pipeline, you will design, program, build, and troubleshoot the control systems used in custom automated equipment, manufacturing systems, and test fixtures. You will work closely with mechanical engineers, technicians, and customers to take projects from initial concept through system integration, debugging, and final delivery.

Responsibilities may include:

• Program PLCs using ladder logic, structured text, and other industrial programming languages.
• Develop and configure HMIs for machine operation, setup, alarms, diagnostics, and data display.
• Design electrical control systems and create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and related documentation.
• Select and integrate controls hardware including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motors, safety devices, and other industrial components.
• Program and integrate industrial and collaborative robots for applications such as material handling, assembly, dispensing, inspection, and testing.
• Integrate vision systems, scanners, instrumentation, and other peripheral equipment.
• Configure communication between PLCs, robots, HMIs, drives, and other devices.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, communication, and automation hardware issues during machine build and commissioning.
• Develop machine sequences, interlocks, alarms, fault handling, and safety logic.
• Support machine wiring, system checkout, testing, FAT, installation, and commissioning.
• Work closely with mechanical engineers and technicians to develop complete custom automation and test systems.
• Create clear, maintainable code and documentation and take ownership of controls-related technical challenges.

Because Pipeline develops custom, application-specific equipment rather than the same machine repeatedly, this role involves a wide variety of technologies and engineering challenges. A successful Controls Engineer at Pipeline should enjoy hands‑on problem solving, be comfortable moving between software and hardware, and be able to independently work through unfamiliar technical problems.

Why Work with Pipeline?

• Get paid to work on fun, technically challenging engineering projects.
• Work alongside experienced professionals from whom you can learn and grow.
• Flexibility to work from the office, remotely, or both, depending on assigned project needs.
• Company contribution toward health-insurance coverage.
• Dental and vision plans offered through the company.
• Eligibility to participate in Pipeline's profit-based bonus program.
• At least two weeks of paid time off.
• Eight paid holidays plus paid sick leave.
• A standard Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. schedule.

Our Core Values

Individuals who identify with these values will find the greatest opportunity and fulfillment at Pipeline:

• Treat our customers well; treat our team members better.
• Governed by productivity, not bureaucracy.
• Suffocate chaos; promote order.
• Prevent surprises.

Work Location

This position may involve working from Pipeline’s Tempe office, remotely from a home office, or a combination of both, depending on the needs of assigned projects. Must reside within the Phoenix metropolitan area and be able to work from Pipeline’s Tempe office as project needs require. Candidates who do not currently reside within the Phoenix metropolitan area will not be considered.

Representative examples of the projects this individual may support can be reviewed in the Custom Manufacturing Equipment section of our case studies

https://teampipeline.us/case-studies/

Next Steps

If you believe you are a strong fit for this position, please send us a note at [e-mail]. Include a resume, as well as a cover letter describing why you feel you would be a good fit for our culture and for this position. To help us better understand your capabilities, we also encourage you to share photographs or videos of relevant projects you have supported.

Flexible work from home options available.