Controls Engineer III – Industrial Automation Team

Adaptec Solutions, LLC; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off (PTO)

Health plans including dental and vision insurance

401(k) match and immediate vesting

Job summary

A leading automation solutions provider in Rochester, NY is seeking a Controls Engineer III to design and commission machine-level control systems for custom industrial automation. This mid-level role demands strong PLC programming skills and a proficiency in developing HMI applications. Candidates should have 4-6 years of experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens systems. The position offers competitive compensation and benefits, including relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• 4 - 6 years of hands-on controls engineering experience in custom industrial automation.
• Proficiency in PLC programming using ladder logic and structured text.
• Experience developing HMI applications with advanced features.

Responsibilities

• Design, programming, integration, and commissioning of control systems.
• Translate customer specifications into control system designs.
• Support the full commissioning cycle including FAT and SAT.

Skills

Controls engineering experience

PLC programming proficiency

HMI application development

Troubleshooting complex control systems

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley (RSLogix / Studio 5000)

Siemens (Simatic / TIA Portal)

Beckhoff (TwinCAT)

Job description

Salary: $120,000.00 – $145,000.00 base salary + bonus

Travel: 10% (Travel is typically for customer acceptance activities; may include overnights)

Manages Others: No

Relocation: Yes, this position is eligible for relocation assistance

Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field is strongly preferred (candidates with 8+ years of directly related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).

Experience: Minimum 4 - 6 years of experience in controls engineering for custom industrial automation / machine‑level systems. Proficiency with Allen‑Bradley (RSLogix / Studio 5000, FactoryTalk), Siemens (Simatic / TIA Portal), and/or Beckhoff (TwinCAT). Strong PLC programming skills using ladder logic and structured text. Experience developing HMI applications. Working knowledge of industrial communication networks. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex control systems during integration and commissioning

Position Overview

The Controls Engineer III – Industrial Automation is responsible for the design, programming, integration, and commissioning of machine‑level and cell‑based control systems for custom industrial automation projects. This role focuses on deterministic control, motion systems, safety, and robust fault handling in manufacturing, assembly, test, packaging, and process environments.

This position is intended for a mid‑level controls engineer who can independently execute assigned work, contribute to system design, and support commissioning activities while continuing to grow technical depth.

Key Responsibilities

Controls Design & Programming

• Review and validate sales and project documentation to ensure the proposed controls concept is feasible
• Translate customer specifications and functional requirements into control system designs
• Develop PLC programs including:
• Program structure and architecture
• I/O mapping
• Sequences and interlocks
• Fault handling and recovery logic
• Configure and tune servo motion systems and VFDs
• Design and implement industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)
• Develop and implement safety PLC logic based on risk assessments
• Review electrical schematics and provide feedback on design discrepancies or improvement opportunities
• Develop HMI applications including navigation, alarms, diagnostics, trending, and data logging
• Support the full commissioning cycle:
• Machine bring‑up and debug
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) support
• Troubleshoot controls issues during integration and startup in a structured, efficient manner
• Create system documentation including operation manuals and training materials
• Contribute to controls standardization efforts, including reusable code, AOIs, and HMI templates
• Participate in design reviews and lessons‑learned discussions
• Provide informal technical guidance and support to Level II Controls Engineers

Qualifications

• 4 - 6 years of hands‑on controls engineering experience in custom industrial automation, machine control, and production cells.
• Proficiency in Allen‑Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000, FactoryTalk, Siemens Simatic/TIA Portal, and/or Beckhoff TwinCAT.
• Strong programming proficiency in ladder logic, structured text, and sequential function charts (SFC/FBD).
• Experience with servo motion systems, drives, VFDs, and motion tuning.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting HMI applications, including advanced features (diagnostics, alarm management, trending, recipes).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks & protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, safety networks).
• Knowledge and implementation experience with machine safety systems, safety relays, and safety‑rated PLC logic per risk assessment methodology.
• Familiarity with hydraulics, pneumatics, industrial sensors, actuators, and machine‑level control devices.
• Ability to review and interpret electrical schematics; AutoCAD Electrical familiarity preferred.
• Exposure to robotics, SCADA, Ignition, historians, or machine vision is a plus (not core to this role).
• Proven debugging and root‑cause analysis capability during integration and commissioning.
• Strong communication skills for customer interaction and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and deliver results under project timelines.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Why Join Adaptec Solutions

• Diverse automation challenges across industries.
• Highly collaborative environment with mentoring and peer review.
• Exposure to advanced PLC, safety, and motion control technologies.

About Adaptec Solutions

Adaptec Solutions is a leader in custom automation and material handling systems - designing, building, and integrating solutions that drive manufacturing and distribution performance. Our teams are made up of creative problem solvers who thrive on tackling complex automation challenges for customers across multiple industries.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the wage range for this role is $120,000.00 – $145,000.00. The rate range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Adaptec Solutions considers factors including, but not limited to experience and geographic location. Adaptec Solutions also offers a variety of benefits including generous paid time off (PTO), 11 paid company holidays including your birthday, generous health plans, dental and vision insurance, HSA/FSA accounts, generous 401(k) match and immediate vesting, short-term/long term disability coverage and basic life/AD&D insurance and education assistance. Adaptec Solutions, LLC is an equal opportunity organization. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.