Controls Engineer

LightForce; Wilmington (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO for exempt employees

10 paid holidays per year

Generous premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision plans

Group plan voluntary life insurance

Paid parental leave

Workplace perks such as food/coffee

Job summary

A leading 3D printing technology company in Wilmington, Massachusetts is seeking a Controls Engineer to enhance manufacturing systems. The role requires experience in PLC programming and familiarity with SCADA systems. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical and troubleshooting skills and a degree in Industrial Automation or a related field. This full-time position offers competitive perks including unlimited PTO and robust health benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with SCADA systems, PLCs, or industrial automation.
• Experience with data visualization and alarm management.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the system design, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of hardware and software.
• Support monitors and control industrial systems.
• Document changes, updates, and incidents following procedures.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI platforms

Python development

Industrial protocols

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Associate’s degree or technical certification in Industrial Automation

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

SCADA systems

PLC (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)

HMI (Ignition, Wonderware)

Job description

Join to apply for the Controls Engineer role at LightForce

LightForce Orthodontics is a 3D printing technology company focused on the orthodontic space. Our digital platform empowers orthodontists with fully customized, 3D‑printed tooth‑moving tools. In 2019, we launched the world’s only, fully customized 3‑D printed bracket system and digital treatment software. We are proud to be one of the fastest growing companies in the industry. Learn more at https://lf.co/

Description

We are seeking a detail‑oriented and technically curious Controls Engineer to support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of our manufacturing equipment and system. This role offers hands‑on experience with real‑time monitoring, data collection, and control systems that are critical to production and facility operations.

• Lead the system design, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of hardware and software components (PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, network interfaces).
• Support the monitoring and control of industrial systems through data visualization and alarm management.
• Perform routine checks of system performance, logs, and equipment connectivity to ensure system uptime and data integrity.
• Document changes, updates, and incidents in accordance with standard operating procedures and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with operations, IT, and engineering teams to implement system improvements or resolve issues.
• Participate in commissioning, testing, and documentation of new equipment system expansions.
• Maintain accurate diagrams, wiring schematics, and configuration documentation.
• Support cybersecurity hygiene by following security protocols and escalating irregularities appropriately.
• Assist with user training and support for frontline operations teams.

Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Science, or a related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience with SCADA systems, PLCs, or industrial automation; internships or hands‑on projects a plus.

Required Qualifications

• Basic familiarity with PLC programming (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, etc.) and HMI platforms (Ignition, Wonderware, etc.).
• Ignition experience preferred.
• 1‑2 years experience in Python development.
• Working knowledge of industrial protocols (Modbus, OPC, Ethernet/IP).
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Comfortable working in production or utility environments, including occasional off‑hours support.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

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Physical Demands

• May involve work in industrial, manufacturing, or utility environments with exposure to mechanical equipment, noise, or temperature variations.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Perks and Benefits (US Employees Only)

• Unlimited PTO for exempt employees
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision plans
• Group plan voluntary life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Allowances for those in commercial sales positions
• Workplace perks such as food/coffee

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liabilities.

LightForce Orthodontics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, Protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Industry

Medical Equipment Manufacturing