Controls Engineer Technician

IPG; Lexington (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

IPG is seeking a Controls Engineer to lead PLC programming, automation projects, and electrical troubleshooting at our Blythewood, SC facility. You will own the site's control systems, drive improvements, and support safety and reliability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The role requires a Bachelor's in electrical engineering or related field and 3+ years of controls experience, with proficiency in Allen‑Bradley and Siemens PLCs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of controls, automation, or electrical engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLCs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the site's primary Controls Engineer and owner for PLCs, HMIs, networks, and automation systems.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, modify, and optimize PLC programs to support safe and reliable plant operations.
• Lead troubleshooting for control system failures and improve uptime and performance.
• Program, commission, and troubleshoot VFDs, servo systems, motor controls, relays, and related automation equipment.
• Manage and improve plant control systems; ensure hardware, software, and network reliability.
• Lead automation projects from concept through implementation.

Skills

Electrical Eng

Controls Eng

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Industrial networks

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

VFDs

HMI/SCADA tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Join the IPG Team! Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!

Join the IPG Team! Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!

Position Description

Title: Controls Engineer
Department: Engineering
Immediate Supervisor: Engineering Manager
State: Salaried Exempt
Location: On-Site in our Blythewood, SC Facility
Position Purpose: Serve as the site's primary Controls Engineer responsible for PLC programming, automation systems, industrial controls, and electrical troubleshooting. Lead controls improvements and automation projects to improve safety, reliability, uptime, and manufacturing performance.

Principle Accountabilities

• 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.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering field, or relevant Engineering discipline
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• 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.
• Understanding 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 industrial communication networks such as EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Experience maintaining PLC programs, backups, and control system documentation.
• Experience with HMI and SCADA platforms such as FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware, or Siemens WinCC.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software is preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office

Why Choose IPG?

At IPG, you will find more than just a job—you will find a place where your success is our success. We pride ourselves on a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. Whether it is through cross-department collaboration, continuous training, or sustainability-driven initiatives, we create an environment where you can thrive.
Our commitment to sustainability influences everything we do, from designing eco-friendly products to minimizing waste in our production processes. We are dedicated to building a greener future while providing safe, supportive workplaces for our people.
With over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation, IPG offers a stable, secure environment where you can flourish!
We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills or advance your career, we offer ongoing training and the support you need to succeed. Think big, dream bigger, and make an impact with IPG.
You belong here. Join us today!