Controls Engineer – Manufacturing Automation

Canadian Executive Search Group; Royal Pines (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CES/AWS is seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer for an automotive manufacturer client in the United States. You will troubleshoot, maintain, and develop industrial automation systems, mentoring technicians and leading projects across PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and networks.

The role focuses on Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs, Fanuc robotics, vision systems, and industrial networks, with opportunities to influence safety-critical equipment and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required.
• 2+ years of industrial controls experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong PLC troubleshooting and programming experience.
• Experience with Siemens and/or Allen-Bradley PLCs preferred.
• Knowledge of CompactLogix, GE Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Functional Block Diagrams.
• Experience with SCADA systems, preferably Ignition.
• Knowledge of PLC/DCS configuration, controls design, development, and machine control standards.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial automation, electrical controls, and communication networks.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical/equipment drawings.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and maintain Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and automation equipment.
• Work with Fanuc robotics, vision systems, barcode readers, servo drives, VFDs, and I/O devices.
• Troubleshoot industrial communication networks including EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, and Profinet.
• Modify, test, validate, and implement manufacturing control systems and equipment.
• Design and develop control systems for process, utility, and safety-related equipment.
• Support automation changes and new product launches within the manufacturing environment.
• Partner with Maintenance and Manufacturing Engineering teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Review equipment drawings and designs to ensure they meet customer, safety, and industry standards.
• Work with equipment and technology suppliers to obtain specifications, verify availability, and support project timelines.
• Develop and maintain plant control-system standards.
• Provide technical support, training, and mentorship to Maintenance, Automation, Manufacturing Engineering, and Production teams.
• Ensure compliance with IATF/TS 16949 and applicable customer standards.
• Support continuous improvement and automation projects of varying size and complexity.

Skills

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI/SCADA

Fanuc robotics

Vision systems

Barcode readers

Servo drives

VFDs

EtherNet/IP

DeviceNet

Profinet

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

Functional Block Diagrams

Ignition

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Ignition

Job description

CES/AWS is seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer for an automotive manufacturer client in the United States. You will troubleshoot, maintain, and develop industrial automation systems, mentoring technicians and leading projects across PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and networks.

The role focuses on Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs, Fanuc robotics, vision systems, and industrial networks, with opportunities to influence safety-critical equipment and continuous improvement initiatives.