Controls Engineer II

RND Automation; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

RND Automation in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, develop, and implement industrial control systems across multiple projects. You will program PLCs, create HMI interfaces, develop safety and vision systems, and support robotics integrations with Fanuc and Epson.

Travel up to 15% to support customers and projects, collaborating with engineering and assembly teams to ensure robust, compliant automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or related engineering field.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in programming and maintaining automation systems.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley programming software (RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View Studio).
• Experience with other control platforms including Siemens, Beckhoff, and B&R is a plus.
• Strong understanding of PLC hardware, HMI development, and industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with Servo Motors and Cognex, Keyence, and Fanuc vision systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop control programs using Allen-Bradley PLCs and related software.
• Develop HMI screens and links using standard modules and custom programming.
• Develop safety programs for Banner/GuardLogix safety controllers/devices.
• Develop vision applications using Cognex and Keyence systems.
• Develop robot applications using Fanuc and Epson.
• System design including I/O configuration and risk assessments.
• Troubleshoot PLC programs, control systems, and field devices to minimize downtime.
• Test and validate control systems to meet design specifications.
• Document designs with pinning charts, comments, and manuals.
• Collaborate with engineering, PM, and assembly; drive continuous improvements.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC programming

HMI development

Troubleshooting

Industrial communication (Ethernet/IP)

Teamwork

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical / Computer engineering

Tools

RSLogix 5000

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View Studio

Cognex Vision

Keyence software

Fanuc/Epson robotics

Job description

RND Automation engineers, designs, manufactures, and services robotic, packaging and assembly automation equipment. Our offerings include horizontal and vertical form fill and seal machinery, automated assembly equipment, and robotic automation for the medical device, consumer product, and industrial device industries. We have an immediate opening for a Controls Engineer in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing control systems for various industrial processes. This role requires a strong understanding of automation systems, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and optimize PLC programs to ensure efficient and reliable operation. This position will be responsible for applying RND standards in both layout and programming functions to develop PLC, HMI, robot, and vision programs for custom automation machines. This multi-faceted position offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the success of various projects. Travel is a part of this position to support the team and our customers.

Programming

• Develop control programs using Allen-Bradley PLCs (e.g., ControlLogix, CompactLogix) and associated software (e.g., RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000).
• Develop HMI screens and links, utilizing RND standard modules and custom programming where needed.
• Develop safety programs for Banner/GuardLogix safety controllers/safety devices.
• Develop custom vision applications utilizing Keyence Software and Cognex Spreadsheet for Cognex Cameras.
• Develop robot applications primarily using Fanuc and Epson
• Develop applications for miscellaneous devices that will be used on future projects.
• System Design: Design and configure control systems, including I/O configuration, HMI integration, and communication protocols. Will also perform Risk Assessments and help design appropriately safe systems.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues related to PLC programs, control systems, and field devices. Implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve system performance.
• Testing and Validation: Conduct thorough testing and validation of control systems to ensure they meet design specifications and operational requirements.
• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed documentation for control system designs, including pinning charts, code comments, and user manuals.
• Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, project management, and assembly teams to understand system requirements and provide technical support throughout the project lifecycle. Will utilize and maintain RND standards while also suggesting appropriate improvements.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to enhance system efficiency, reliability, and performance.
• Compliance: Ensure all control systems comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.

Education And Experience

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or related engineering field and a minimum of 3+ years of experience in programming and maintaining automation systems.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley programming software (RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View Studio).
• Experience with other control platforms including Siemens, Beckhoff, and B&R is a plus.
• Strong understanding of PLC hardware, HMI development, and industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with Servo Motor control is a plus.
• Experience with Cognex, Keyence, and Fanuc IR vision systems is a plus.
• Experience with Fanuc and Epson Robotic systems a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex control systems.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites as needed.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time for customer support and to attend training.
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident/Green Card holder.

RND Automation Supports Equal Opportunity Employment & Diversity