Controls Engineer I — Hybrid (PLC & HMI Specialist)

PTS Advance; Hanover (MD); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PTS Advance in Hanover, MD is seeking a Controls Engineer I to join its controls engineering team. This hands-on role develops, programs, tests, implements, and supports industrial control systems across customer projects.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of hands-on experience, writes PLC and HMI code from scratch, and collaborates with cross-functional teams while traveling to customer sites as needed. Hybrid/remote schedule with onsite presence is required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on controls, automation, or industrial programming experience.
• Hands-on experience developing PLC programs, including writing code from scratch.
• Experience programming and configuring HMI systems.
• Knowledge of Modbus and Ethernet-based networks.
• Experience troubleshooting controls systems in manufacturing, industrial, or field environments.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable working directly with customers and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Willingness to travel extensively during training and ramp-up.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, test, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI-based control systems.
• Write and modify PLC programs based on project and customer requirements.
• Support controls projects throughout the full lifecycle, including requirements review, programming, testing, FAT, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
• Interpret customer specifications, electrical drawings, control narratives, and technical requirements.
• Configure and integrate controls with third-party equipment and customer-specific systems.
• Support industrial communication networks and protocols, including Modbus and Ethernet-based communications.
• Partner with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and field service teams to resolve technical and implementation issues.
• Perform hands-on troubleshooting during equipment testing and field commissioning.
• Interface directly with customers to understand technical requirements and resolve controls-related issues.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, procedures, and work instructions.
• Support continuous improvement and product development initiatives.
• Travel to company and customer facilities as required for training, testing, startup, and commissioning.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Industrial networking

Troubleshooting

Customer interaction

Schematic reading

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

PLC platforms

HMI platforms

SCADA systems

Job description

PTS Advance in Hanover, MD is seeking a Controls Engineer I to join its controls engineering team. This hands-on role develops, programs, tests, implements, and supports industrial control systems across customer projects.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of hands-on experience, writes PLC and HMI code from scratch, and collaborates with cross-functional teams while traveling to customer sites as needed. Hybrid/remote schedule with onsite presence is required.