Controls Engineer (Automation & Controls)

Real; Jacksonville (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Real is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to support automated manufacturing equipment in a high-volume 24/7 environment. The role involves troubleshooting, PLC programming, and NPI support for contact lens production, with opportunities to improve lines and implement automation upgrades.

The ideal candidate will read electrical schematics, troubleshoot on-machine controls, and collaborate with manufacturing, maintenance, and validation teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/mechatronics/automation engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of controls/automation experience in manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot automated equipment.
• Experience with PLCs, HMI, and vision systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day automated production lines in a 24/7 environment.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot controls-related equipment issues.
• Perform PLC programming modifications and enhancements.
• Develop and support HMI and test plans for changes.
• Support NPI initiatives and validation activities.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

FactoryTalk

HMI development

Electrical schematics

Industrial automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics Engineering

Automation Engineering

Tools

Epson Robots

Yamaha Robots

Mitsubishi Robots

Cognex vision systems

Job description

Our client (a Global Leading Medical Device Organizxation) is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to support automated manufacturing equipment within a 24/7 production environment. This is an individual contributor role focused on troubleshooting, controls programming, equipment improvements, validation activities, and support of new product introductions (NPI) for the high volume contact lens business. Billions of lenses are manufactured at the site annually.

This position will support both existing production lines and future automation initiatives, including upcoming NPI programs and capital projects. The ideal candidate is a strong PLC engineer who can independently troubleshoot machines, identify faults, read electrical schematics, and support complex automated manufacturing systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day manufacturing operations and automated production lines.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot controls-related equipment issues.
• Perform PLC programming modifications and enhancements.
• Support HMI development and updates.
• Execute equipment improvements and automation upgrades.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) initiatives and validation activities.
• Develop, write, and execute test plans for equipment and controls changes.
• Participate in machine design reviews and controls strategy discussions.
• Support commissioning and startup activities for new equipment.
• Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, and validation teams.
• Provide after-hours support when critical production issues arise.

Required Technical Skills

Controls & Automation

• PLC troubleshooting and programming
• FactoryTalk
• HMI development and support (they can train on HMI - PLC is the core skills)
• Ability to troubleshoot controls issues directly on manufacturing equipment
• Understanding of automation standards and machine controls architecture

Electrical

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Ability to trace faults through electrical and controls systemsStrong understanding of industrial electrical systems

Vision Systems (not essential)

• Cognex vision systems experience strongly preferred

Robotics (not essential)

Experience with one or more of:

• Epson Robots
• Yamaha Robots
• Mitsubishi Robots

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related discipline
• Approximately 4+ years of controls/automation engineering experience (open to less experienced candidates if technically exceptional)
• Experience supporting production equipment within a manufacturing environment
• Proven troubleshooting experience on automated machinery

Preferred Backgrounds

Experience in:

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Medical Device Manufacturing
• Automotive Manufacturing
• Oil & Gas
• Industrial Process Automation
• High-Speed Automated Manufacturing

Medical device experience is beneficial but not required.

What Will Make Someone Successful

The ideal candidate is:

• Strong technically with PLCs first and foremost
• Comfortable going directly to the machine and diagnosing issues
• Able to read electrical drawings and identify root causes
• Hands-on rather than project-management focused
• Comfortable supporting a 24/7 manufacturing operation
• Capable of owning troubleshooting efforts independently

EOE Statement

Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for benefits such as health insurance, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, and paid leave where required by applicable law. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as location and hire date and is subject to change.

To find out more about Real, please visit www.realstaffing.com