Controls Engineer: PLCs, Robotics & Automation

Ms Companies, LLC; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ms Companies, LLC is seeking a Controls Engineer to advance plant automation through troubleshooting, programming, and optimization of PLCs, robots, HMIs, and drives. The role interfaces with Production, Process Engineering, Maintenance, and other plant teams to drive uptime and quality improvements.

The ideal candidate will have a strong hands-on controls background, including PLC programming, Fanuc/ABB robotics, and industrial networking, with a passion for reliable equipment and process

Qualifications

• BSEE or BSME degree required.
• 3–5 years of experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs and robots.
• Strong understanding of Fanuc and ABB robot operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ladder logic programming, PLC-5, SLC500, ControlLogix, MicroLogix, RIO, Ethernet/IP, and DeviceNet.
• Understanding of Ethernet cabling and addressing, DeviceNet, RIO, and wireless PC networking.
• Working knowledge of AC/DC motors and servo systems.
• Working knowledge of Kinetix, Ultra3000, PowerFlex, 1305, and 1338 drives.
• Understanding of HMIs, including PanelView Plus and PanelView hardware.
• Demonstrated understanding of Cognex In‑Sight software.
• Ability to perform electrical troubleshooting and read electrical prints.
• Ability to wire industrial control systems, including 480V/120V/24V power, drives, motors, I/O, and sensors.
• Ability to connect to PLCs and navigate programming software.
• Ability to design, diagnose, and troubleshoot vision applications.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Hands‑on approach to troubleshooting and technical problem solving.
• Valid driver's license required for business travel.
• Regular and predictable attendance required.
• Ability and willingness to work beyond a traditional 40-hour workweek, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as project and production demands require.

Responsibilities

• Support production by troubleshooting and programming existing and new plant automation equipment.
• Program and design new and existing PLC control systems.
• Program robots and touch up robot points as needed to support production requirements.
• Work with Production and Process Engineering to optimize line flow, cycle times, and quality through programming changes and controls troubleshooting.
• Travel to sister plants as needed to support projects and core job functions.
• Maintain accurate project schedules and task timelines across multiple plant projects.
• Help develop preventative maintenance plans for new and existing plant equipment.
• Support the development and implementation of new automation technology to improve cycle times and quality detection/prevention systems.
• Train plant technicians and engineers on controls‑related skills and equipment.
• Create, update, and correct plant electrical drawings for equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical control systems, PLCs, HMIs, robots, drives, sensors, and related automation equipment.
• Support the development of accurate equipment and project quoting models.
• Perform electrical troubleshooting and interpret electrical schematics and prints.
• Wire and troubleshoot industrial control systems involving 480V, 120V, and 24V power, drives, motors, I/O, and sensors.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot vision applications and Cognex In‑Sight systems.
• Connect to PLCs and navigate programming software to diagnose and resolve production issuesMaintain effective communication with Production, Process Engineering, Maintenance, and other plant teams.
• Provide hands‑on technical support to resolve day‑to‑day production and equipment issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on uptime, cycle time, quality, and overall plant efficiency.
• Adhere to all company safety requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Uphold company values of Safety, Customer Focus, Teamwork, Excellence, and Trust.

Skills

PLC programming

Fanuc robotics

ABB robotics

Electrical troubleshooting

HMI/PanelView

Industrial networking

Vision systems Cognex

Drive systems

Ladder logic

Ethernet/IP

Education

BSEE / BSME

Tools

RSNetWorx

RSView Studio

PanelBuilder

PanelView Plus

Cognex In-Sight

Kinetix

Ultra3000

PowerFlex

Job description

Ms Companies, LLC is seeking a Controls Engineer to advance plant automation through troubleshooting, programming, and optimization of PLCs, robots, HMIs, and drives. The role interfaces with Production, Process Engineering, Maintenance, and other plant teams to drive uptime and quality improvements.

The ideal candidate will have a strong hands-on controls background, including PLC programming, Fanuc/ABB robotics, and industrial networking, with a passion for reliable equipment and process