Controls Engineer – Industrial Automation (PLC / Robotics)

Ms Companies, LLC; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 102,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exposure to cutting-edge automation

Non-repetitive, custom projects

Significant project ownership

Job summary

MS Companies is seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer in Columbus, IN. This hands-on role covers design, programming, integration, startup, and commissioning of custom automated equipment.

You will work across the full lifecycle from concept to customer acceptance, with emphasis on PLC logic, robotics, and multi-platform controls. You will collaborate with engineering and production teams, develop robust automation solutions, and own projects from start to finish in a fast-paced industrial

Qualifications

• 3+ years in controls engineering or related fields.
• Experience programming PLCs from scratch and safety integration.
• Strong Allen-Bradley/ControlLogix experience.
• HMI development and operator interface programming.
• Experience integrating robotics, vision systems, sensors, readers.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills.
• Experience supporting startup, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Excellent communication and collaboration.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Develop and modify PLC programs for custom automated manufacturing systems.
• Create and support HMI applications and operator interfaces.
• Program and integrate robotics, vision systems, barcode readers, and automation peripherals.
• Support electrical system design, controls architecture, and panel integration activities.
• Perform system debugging, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis.
• Support machine startup, commissioning, runoff, installation, and customer acceptance testing.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and project teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop technical documentation, training materials, and project records.
• Communicate project progress, technical findings, and recommendations to internal teams and customers.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and engineering best practices.

Skills

PLC programming

Allen-Bradley/ControlLogix

HMI development

Robotics & vision integration

Electrical schematics reading

Startup/commissioning

Communication & teamwork

US work authorization

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

SQL Server integration

Job description

Sep 28, 2026 Columbus , IN

Pay Rate : $120,000.00

Location: Columbus, IN (On-Site)

Job Summary

MS Companies is supporting a confidential industrial automation and custom equipment manufacturer seeking a Controls Engineer to join its growing engineering team in Columbus, Indiana. This is a hands-on engineering role focused on the design, programming, integration, startup, and commissioning of custom automated manufacturing equipment. Engineers in this position work throughout the entire equipment lifecycle—from concept and controls architecture through programming, debugging, runoff, installation, and customer acceptance. This is not a maintenance-focused position.

The ideal candidate will have experience developing PLC and automation programs from scratch, integrating robotics and vision systems, supporting electrical design efforts, and bringing complex automation projects into operation. Candidates who enjoy solving challenging engineering problems and taking ownership of projects from concept through deployment will thrive in this environment.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 3+ years of Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, Systems Integration, or Machine Building experience
• Demonstrated experience programming PLCs from scratch, including machine sequencing, logic development, safety integration, and commissioning
• Strong experience with Allen-Bradley / ControlLogix PLC platforms
• Experience with HMI development and operator interface programming
• Experience integrating robotics, vision systems, sensors, barcode readers, and other automation technologies
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and controls documentation
• Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and system debugging abilities
• Experience supporting equipment startup, commissioning, runoff, and customer acceptance activities
• Strong communication and project collaboration skills
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Keyence and/or Cognex vision systems
• Experience programming or integrating industrial robots and cobots
• Experience with motion control systems and servo applications
• Experience with SQL Server or database integration
• Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical or similar design software
• Experience supporting electrical panel design and field wiring integration
• Exposure to material handling, assembly automation, testing systems, or custom manufacturing equipment
• Experience supporting multiple automation platforms such as Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, Yaskawa, Keyence, or similar controls environments

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Develop and modify PLC programs for custom automated manufacturing systems
• Create and support HMI applications and operator interfaces
• Program and integrate robotics, vision systems, barcode readers, and automation peripherals
• Support electrical system design, controls architecture, and panel integration activities
• Perform system debugging, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis
• Support machine startup, commissioning, runoff, installation, and customer acceptance testing
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and project teams to ensure successful project execution
• Develop technical documentation, training materials, and project records
• Communicate project progress, technical findings, and recommendations to internal teams and customers
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and engineering best practices

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an engineer who can build automation solutions—not simply maintain existing equipment.

Successful candidates will have experience creating PLC logic, developing machine sequences, integrating automation technologies, and bringing custom equipment into production. The ability to program, troubleshoot, and commission systems across multiple controls platforms is highly valued.

Engineers who come from machine builders, systems integrators, custom automation companies, special machinery manufacturers, or advanced manufacturing environments are especially encouraged to apply.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Physical expectations and working conditions associated with the role may include standing, walking, climbing, bending, and working in industrial manufacturing environments. The position may require occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds and hands-on support during machine startup, commissioning, installation, and troubleshooting activities.

Benefits & Culture

• Exposure to cutting-edge automation technologies
• Opportunity to work on custom, non-repetitive engineering projects
• Significant project ownership and technical growth potential
• Collaborative engineering environment with direct impact on project success
• Long-term career advancement opportunities within a growing organization