Controls Engineer -PLC

Unicon Systems; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Unicon Systems in the United States is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer II to support customer-site controls upgrades, retrofits, commissioning, troubleshooting, and field implementation activities.

The ideal candidate brings strong PLC programming with Ladder Logic, Studio 5000/RSLogix and FactoryTalk View, plus AutoCAD Electrical. Experience with conveyors and industrial automation, and willingness to travel up to 50% or more, is required; must be authorized to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 2+ years of controls engineering or industrial automation experience.
• Hands-on PLC programming experience required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, test, troubleshoot, and debug PLC and HMI software.
• Perform controls upgrades, retrofits, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting at customer sites.
• Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs using Studio 5000 / RSLogix and Ladder Logic.
• Develop and support FactoryTalk View HMI applications.
• Support installation and integration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motors, sensors, and I/O.
• Create electrical schematics, panel drawings, I/O layouts using AutoCAD Electrical.

Skills

PLC programming

Ladder Logic

Studio 5000/RSLogix

FactoryTalk View

AutoCAD Electrical

Industrial automation

Field implementation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering

Tools

Studio 5000 / RSLogix

FactoryTalk View

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer II

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Customer Sites / Field-Based

Travel: Up to 50% or more, depending on project requirements

Work Authorization: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands‑on Controls Engineer II to support customer‑site controls upgrades, system retrofits, commissioning, troubleshooting, and field implementation activities.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with PLC programming, Ladder Logic, Studio 5000/RSLogix, FactoryTalk View, AutoCAD Electrical, electrical controls design, system integration, and industrial automation.

This position will support conveyor systems, automated material handling equipment, and other industrial automation applications from initial design through installation, startup, and final commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, test, troubleshoot, and debug PLC and HMI software.
• Perform controls upgrades, retrofits, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting at customer sites.
• Program and troubleshoot Allen‑Bradley PLCs using Studio 5000 / RSLogix and Ladder Logic.
• Develop and support FactoryTalk View HMI applications.
• Support installation and integration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motor controls, safety devices, sensors, and distributed I/O.
• Create and update electrical schematics, panel drawings, I/O layouts, and controls documentation using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, control panels, field devices, communication networks, and industrial automation systems.
• Support brownfield modernization and legacy controls upgrade projects.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, customers, vendors, and field technicians.
• Participate in controls design reviews, code reviews, system validation, installation, startup, and post‑implementation support.
• Assist with hardware selection, technical specifications, procurement support, and project implementation planning.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, or a related field.
• Strong hands‑on experience with Ladder Logic programming.
• Experience with Studio 5000 / RSLogix and FactoryTalk View.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC‑based industrial control systems in production or field environments.
• Strong understanding of PLCs, I/O, relays, contactors, motor starters, sensors, safety circuits, VFDs, and control panels.
• Experience supporting field installation, commissioning, controls upgrades, and startup activities.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% or more based on project requirements.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with brownfield retrofits, controls modernization, and field upgrades.
• Knowledge of EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profibus, and DeviceNet.
• Experience with conveyor systems, warehouse automation, or automated material handling systems.
• Ability to read and troubleshoot electrical schematics, panel layouts, and controls architecture drawings.
• Experience supporting customer sites during installation, commissioning, and production startup.

Only candidates who are authorized to work in the United States will be considered.