Controls Engineer 3rd Shift

The Recruiting Hive; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Recruiting Hive is seeking a Controls Engineer for the Indianapolis area on a third shift. You will develop control strategies for automated production equipment and warehouse operations, program PLCs, troubleshoot motion systems, and support upgrades across multiple facilities.

Ideal candidates have advanced PLC skills, motion control expertise, and a strong ability to guide maintenance teams. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred; travel and third‑shift availability are required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 2–4 years of related work experience.
• Advanced PLC programming and motion control knowledge for industrial automation.
• Ability to develop controls solutions and troubleshoot complex equipment.
• Strong analytical, planning, organization and communication skills.
• Ability to lead through technical expertise and influence decisions.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to work third shift and travel 50–70%.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement control strategies for automated production equipment, conveyors, and warehouse operations.
• Program, troubleshoot, test, and repair PLC-based controls and motion systems.
• Support design and development of controls for new equipment and system upgrades.
• Establish consistent programming standards, coding practices, and controls documentation across facilities.
• Evaluate automation solutions and recommend improvements to equipment performance and reliability.
• Partner with engineering, maintenance, and operations leaders to prioritize and resolve controls issues.
• Provide technical direction and training to site controls engineers and maintenance teams.
• Explain technical recommendations clearly to plant teams and senior leadership.
• Stay current with automation technology and programming tools.

Skills

PLC programming

Motion control

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Planning & organization

Communication

Leadership influence

Driving license

Third shift availability

Travel willingness

Education

Associate degree

2–4 years related experience

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Rockwell Automation

RSView

Job description

Controls Engineer – 3rd Shift

Beverage Manufacturing | Indianapolis Area, IN

Base Salary: $75,000-$90,000, depending on experience
Schedule: Third shift
Travel: Approximately 50%-70%

About the Opportunity

We are recruiting a Controls Engineer for a confidential liquid beverage manufacturer in the Indianapolis area.

This role supports automated manufacturing and warehouse operations across multiple facilities. You'll combine hands‑on troubleshooting with controls programming, equipment improvements, and technical guidance to help teams improve reliability, production efficiency, and consistency across locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement control strategies for automated production equipment, conveyor systems, and warehouse operations.

• Program, troubleshoot, test, and repair PLC‑based controls and motion systems.

• Support the design and development of controls for new equipment and system upgrades.

• Establish consistent programming standards, coding practices, and controls documentation across facilities.

• Evaluate automation solutions and recommend improvements to equipment performance and reliability.

• Partner with engineering, maintenance, and operations leaders to prioritize and resolve controls issues.

• Provide technical direction, coaching, and training to site controls engineers and maintenance teams.

• Explain technical recommendations clearly to plant teams and senior leadership.

• Stay current with automation technology, programming tools, and emerging equipment capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or two to four years of equivalent related work experience.

• Advanced PLC programming skills and strong knowledge of motion control and industrial automation systems.

• Ability to develop controls solutions and troubleshoot complex equipment problems.

• Strong analytical, planning, organization, and communication skills.

• Ability to lead through technical expertise and influence decisions across departments.

• Valid driver's license.

• Availability to work third shift and travel approximately 50%-70%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related technical discipline.

• Electrical engineering or controls engineering experience.

• Experience with Allen‑Bradley controls, Rockwell Automation platforms, and RSView.

• Experience supporting continuous‑flow conveyor systems.

• Documented Allen‑Bradley or Rockwell Automation training or certifications.

Work Environment

This position supports manufacturing and warehouse facilities with varying operating conditions. Work may involve elevated noise levels, areas without temperature control, and exposure to hot or cold temperatures.