Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer

Socket.dev; Logan (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Discretionary yearly bonus

Profit sharing up to 15%

Job summary

Cache Valley Electric Company is seeking an early-career Controls/Automation Engineer I to help design, program, test, commission, and troubleshoot industrial automation and control systems. This role offers hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, control panels, instrumentation, networking, and automated equipment.

You will work closely with senior engineers, project managers, and field teams through the project lifecycle, gaining exposure to FAT, startup, and turnover activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related discipline preferred.
• Entry‑level candidates and those with 0–3 years of experience encouraged to apply.
• Basic understanding of PLC programming and industrial automation.
• Understanding of electrical schematics and control systems.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to travel to project and customer locations as required.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with design and development of automation and control systems.
• Develop and modify PLC programs under supervision of senior staff.
• Develop and modify HMI screens and operator interfaces.
• Assist with control-system architecture and hardware selection.
• Review electrical schematics and control-panel drawings.
• Support selection and configuration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and related devices.
• Assist with control-panel testing and FAT.
• Perform I/O checkout and system verification.
• Support onsite startup and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, communication, and programming issues.
• Assist with industrial network configuration and troubleshooting.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.
• Document software revisions and system changes.
• Work with panel builders and installers to resolve questions.
• Participate in customer and internal project meetings.
• Support projects from design through final commissioning and turnover.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Travel

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelors in Electrical/Controls/Automation Eng

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk

Ignition SCADA

HMI development

VFDs & motor controls

Industrial Ethernet

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer I to support the design, programming, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of industrial automation and control systems.

This is an early-career engineering position ideal for someone looking to develop hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, industrial control panels, instrumentation, networking, and automated equipment.

The Engineer I will work closely with senior engineers, project managers, electrical designers, panel-shop personnel, and field installation teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and development of industrial automation and control systems.
• Develop and modify PLC programs under the direction of senior engineering personnel.
• Develop and modify HMI screens and operator interfaces.
• Assist with control-system architecture and hardware selection.
• Review electrical schematics and control-panel drawings.
• Support selection and configuration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation, and related devices.
• Assist with control-panel testing and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
• Perform I/O checkout and system verification.
• Support onsite startup and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, communication, and programming issues.
• Assist with industrial network configuration and troubleshooting.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.
• Document software revisions and system changes.
• Work with panel builders and electrical installers to resolve technical questions.
• Participate in customer and internal project meetings.
• Support projects from design through final commissioning and turnover.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• Entry‑level candidates and candidates with approximately 0–3 years of relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
• Basic understanding of PLC programming and industrial automation.
• Understanding of electrical schematics and control systems.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work effectively with both engineering and field personnel.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to travel to project and customer locations as required.

Preferred Experience

• Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLCs.
• Siemens PLCs.
• Studio 5000.
• FactoryTalk.
• Ignition SCADA.
• HMI development.
• VFDs and motor controls.
• Industrial Ethernet networks.
• Modbus, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, or similar industrial communication protocols.
• AutoCAD Electrical.
• UL508A control panels.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Industry‑leading, low‑cost medical, dental, and vision benefits designed to provide exceptional value for employees and their families
• Discretionary Yearly bonus
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Up to 15% yearly profit sharing
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request for those who have disabilities that qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Cache Valley Electric Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an affirmative action plan.