Controls Engineer 3rd Shift

True North Consultants, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential beverage manufacturer in the Indianapolis area is seeking a Controls Engineer for the 3rd shift to support automated manufacturing and warehouse operations across facilities. You will troubleshoot, program PLC-based controls, and drive equipment improvements to enhance reliability and production efficiency.

You will develop control strategies, maintain coding standards, and collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and operations leaders to resolve issues and implement upgrades.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 2–4 years of related work experience.
• Advanced PLC programming skills and motion control knowledge.
• Ability to develop controls solutions and troubleshoot complex equipment problems.
• Strong analytical, planning, organization, and communication skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Availability to work third shift and travel 50%–70%.

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.

Skills

PLC programming

Motion control

Industrial automation

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Associate degree in electrical engineering or related field

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley controls

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.