Controls Engineer – Allen-Bradley PLC

Virtue America; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Virtue America is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer in the United States to lead cradle-to-grave automation projects using Allen-Bradley PLCs and Rockwell platforms. You will design, program, commission, and support control systems, including HMI/SCADA interfaces, electrical schematics, and system integration.

The role requires hands-on PLC programming, debugging, and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure safety, quality, and on-time delivery across the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering or related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation PLC systems.
• Proficiency with Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000.
• Experience reading electrical schematics, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and control-system docs.
• Cradle-to-grave controls project experience including design, programming, commissioning, startup and support.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop industrial control and automation systems using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell platforms.
• Program, modify, test, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Develop and maintain HMI/SCADA applications and interfaces.
• Review electrical schematics, I/O lists, P&IDs, and system specs.
• Own controls projects from design through commissioning, startup and handover.
• Provide hands-on support during equipment startup and production operations.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Electrical schematics

System integration

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Studio 5000

RSLogix 5000

PanelView HMIs

EtherNet/IP

Job description

Location: United States

Employment Type: W2 Contract

Duration: Long-Term

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer with strong hands-on expertise in Allen-Bradley PLCs and industrial automation systems. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience managing cradle-to-grave controls projects, including controls design, PLC programming, system implementation, commissioning, troubleshooting, debugging, and final handover.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing reliable automation solutions and providing technical support throughout the complete project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop industrial control and automation systems using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Program, modify, test, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Develop and maintain HMI/SCADA applications and control-system interfaces.
• Review and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, I/O lists, P&IDs, and system specifications.
• Own controls projects from initial design through implementation, commissioning, startup, and final handover.
• Perform PLC programming, system integration, configuration, testing, and validation.
• Support and participate in FAT, SAT, equipment startup, commissioning, and qualification activities.
• Troubleshoot and debug PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, communication networks, and automated equipment.
• Diagnose control-system failures, perform root-cause analysis, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, process, manufacturing, and engineering teams to resolve technical issues.
• Support controls system upgrades, modifications, optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Create and maintain PLC programs, functional specifications, I/O documentation, control drawings, and other technical documentation.
• Provide hands-on technical support during equipment startup and production operations.
• Ensure automation systems meet applicable engineering, safety, quality, and industry standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation PLC systems.
• Proficiency with Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000.
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming, control logic, I/O systems, troubleshooting, and industrial automation.
• Proven experience managing cradle-to-grave controls projects.
• Hands-on experience in controls design, programming, implementation, commissioning, and startup.
• Strong PLC troubleshooting and debugging skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and control-system documentation.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols and automation networks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PanelView HMIs.
• Knowledge of EtherNet/IP and industrial communication networks.
• Experience with VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and control panels.
• Background in manufacturing, process automation, or machine automation.
• Hands-on experience with FAT, SAT, commissioning, startup, and system integration.
• Experience working in GMP or regulated manufacturing environments is a plus.