Controls Engineer 3rd Shift

United Future; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

United Future seeks a Controls Engineer for third shift to support automated manufacturing and warehouse operations in the Indianapolis area. You will develop and implement control strategies, program PLCs, test systems, and troubleshoot complex equipment across multiple facilities.

You will lead technical efforts, collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams, and document controls standards. Travel will be approximately 50–70% as you support ongoing improvements and system upgrades.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 2–4 years of related work experience.
• Advanced PLC programming skills and strong motion control knowledge.
• 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.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to 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 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

Analytical

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Communication

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

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.