Controls Engineer (No OPT/CPT/F1/HIB, 2nd Shift)

The Judge Group; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judge Group seeks a Controls Engineer to join our manufacturing team in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The role focuses on developing, implementing, and optimizing controls systems to reduce downtime and boost production efficiency in a fast-paced setting.

The ideal candidate has 5–6 years in manufacturing engineering, hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix), PanelView HMIs, and FANUC robotics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Automation, or related field.
• 5–6 years of manufacturing engineering experience in an industrial production environment.
• Experience with plant maintenance teams and automated systems.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix).
• Experience reading and modifying ladder logic; PanelView HMIs.
• Experience with FANUC robotics; knowledge of other robotics is a plus.
• Experience with industrial automation, controls integration, and vision systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement software and hardware modifications to improve equipment performance and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and program PLC systems to minimize downtime.
• Support automated manufacturing equipment including robotics, HMIs, and vision systems.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, production, and quality teams to optimize operations.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and suppliers as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation of machine parameters, changes, and preventive maintenance.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI systems

Robotics

Industrial automation

Troubleshooting

Electrical engineering

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Automation Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC platforms (ControlLogix)

Allen-Bradley PLC platforms (CompactLogix)

Allen-Bradley PLC platforms (MicroLogix)

PanelView HMI

FANUC robotics

Job description

Must be US Citizen or Green Card holder!

Job Summary

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to join a manufacturing team in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing controls systems to reduce equipment downtime, improve production efficiency, and support continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have experience working closely with plant maintenance teams and supporting automated production systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement software and hardware modifications to improve equipment performance, quality, and efficiency.


• Troubleshoot, maintain, and program PLC systems to resolve production issues and minimize downtime.


• Support automated manufacturing equipment, including robotics, HMIs, and vision systems.


• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, production, and quality teams to optimize manufacturing operations.


• Coordinate activities with contractors, vendors, and suppliers as needed.


• Maintain accurate documentation, including machine parameters, programming changes, equipment records, drawings, manuals, and preventive maintenance documentation.


• Manage inventory of critical spare parts and supplies to support uninterrupted production.


• Participate in equipment launches, process improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949 requirements.


• Provide maintenance team support and leadership coverage when necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.


• 5-6 years of manufacturing engineering experience in an industrial production environment.


• Experience working with plant maintenance teams and automated manufacturing systems.


• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, including:


• ControlLogix


• CompactLogix


• MicroLogix


• Ability to read, troubleshoot, and modify ladder logic programs.


• Experience programming and supporting HMI systems, including PanelView.


• Experience with FANUC robotics; ABB robotics experience is a plus.


• Experience with industrial automation, controls integration, and vision systems.


• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Siemens PLC programming.


• Experience with electric torque control systems such as Atlas Copco or Stanley tools.


• Experience leading maintenance activities or supporting maintenance personnel.


• Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking abilities.


• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a high-volume manufacturing environment.


• Long-term career growth with an established manufacturing organization