Controls Engineer – PLC & Automation (Sign-On Bonus)

Itape; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

IPG is hiring a Controls Engineer to serve as the site’s primary technical owner for PLCs, HMIs, and automation systems at our Blythewood, SC facility. You will lead improvements to safety, reliability, and performance while supporting capital projects from concept to implementation.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field, 3+ years in manufacturing controls, and experience with Allen-Bradley/Siemens PLCs, VFDs, and HMI/SCADA platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering field, or relevant Engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of controls, automation, or electrical engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLCs.
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives, motor starters, relays, contactors, and other industrial control equipment.
• Knowledge of industrial electrical systems including 3-phase power, transformers, breakers, and MCCs.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings.
• Experience with sensors and instrumentation such as proximity sensors, photo eyes, encoders, RTDs, thermocouples, and pressure transmitters.
• Knowledge of EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus networks.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Experience maintaining PLC programs, backups, and control system documentation.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms such as FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware, or Siemens WinCC.
• Experience in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN is preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office

Responsibilities

• Serve as the site's primary Controls Engineer and technical owner for PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and automation systems.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, modify, and optimize Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLC programs to support safe and reliable plant operations.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for control system failures and implement corrective actions to improve equipment uptime and performance.
• Program, commission, and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), servo systems, motor controls, relays, contactors, and associated automation equipment.
• Manage and improve plant control systems, ensuring hardware, software, and network infrastructure remain current and reliable.
• Support and lead automation, controls, and capital improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Develop and maintain PLC backups, electrical drawings, control narratives, network documentation, and technical procedures
• Analyze production and downtime data to identify opportunities for process improvements, increased reliability, and reduced operating costs
• Provide technical support and training to operations and maintenance teams regarding controls systems and troubleshooting techniques.
• Support predictive and preventive maintenance initiatives related to automation and electrical control systems.
• Interface directly with operators, maintenance personnel, contractors, and vendors to support plant objectives and project execution.
• Ensure all automation and electrical systems comply with plant safety standards and applicable electrical codes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and cost reduction.
• Support industrial power distribution systems, including 3-phase power, transformers, breakers, MCCs, and control panels.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation systems

Electrical troubleshooting

HMI/SCADA

3-phase power

Electrical schematics

Industrial networks

Root cause analysis

Team collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Related engineering discipline

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

FactoryTalk

Ignition

Wonderware

Siemens WinCC

Job description

IPG is hiring a Controls Engineer to serve as the site’s primary technical owner for PLCs, HMIs, and automation systems at our Blythewood, SC facility. You will lead improvements to safety, reliability, and performance while supporting capital projects from concept to implementation.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field, 3+ years in manufacturing controls, and experience with Allen-Bradley/Siemens PLCs, VFDs, and HMI/SCADA platforms.