Controls Engineering Specialist 1

Parker Hannifin Corporation; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Parker Hannifin Corporation’s Exotic Metals Forming Division seeks a Controls Engineering Specialist Level 1 to support development, testing, and maintenance of machine control software. The role involves assisting with automation projects, startup, troubleshooting, and documentation in a manufacturing setting.

The position requires a BS/AS in automation, controls, electrical engineering tech, or related field with 1–3 years of programming experience in modern object-oriented languages and good

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in automation, controls, electrical engineering tech, computer science, mechatronics, robotics, or related field preferred.
• 1-3 years programming controls for safety-critical physical systems.
• 1-3 years programming in modern object-oriented languages.
• Basic understanding of PLCs, industrial controls, sensors, HMIs, drives, and machine control systems.
• Ability to read technical drawings, follow procedures, document work, and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist with programming, testing, debugging, and maintaining control software using PLC platforms, structured text, PC-based controls, and languages such as C++, Python, or other approved tools.
• Support automation projects for manufacturing equipment, fixtures, robotic cells, retrofits, and equipment updates.
• Assist with basic control system modifications, troubleshooting, startup, commissioning, trial runs, and production support.
• Help select, configure, and integrate sensors, HMIs, drives, instrumentation, pneumatic/hydraulic devices, and other automation hardware under supervision.
• Make basic CAD updates to layouts, drawings, schematics, or components as assigned.
• Support control panel wiring, checkout, fabrication, assembly, and validation activities.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including schematics, bills of material, software notes, backups, equipment records, and project updates.
• Troubleshoot basic machine, controls, software, network, and instrumentation issues; elevate complex problems as needed.
• Learn and apply new automation technologies, tools, and methods to improve safety, quality, maintainability, and productivity.
• Provide basic technical support to technicians, operators, engineers, and team members.

Skills

C++ programming

Python programming

Blueprints reading

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in automation / electrical engineering technology

Tools

PLC platforms

CAD software

Schematic capture

Job description

parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), retirement plan

At Parker Aerospace, we develop technologies and innovative solutions that enable reliable, efficient and increasingly sustainable flight for the lifecycle of the aircraft, including aftermarket support. Our passionate people with deep engineering expertise, together with our breadth of differentiated technologies, ensure that we make the extraordinary happen and continue to shape the future of aviation in partnership with our customers.

As a member of our team, you are instrumental in fulfilling our mission: 'Enabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow.' Pursuing a career at Parker presents unlimited opportunities for both professional and personal development. Working with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, your contributions will be pivotal in developing innovative technologies and products, significantly contributing to Parker's goal of addressing the world's most pressing engineering challenges. At Parker, our team members belong, matter and make a difference.

At Exotic Metals Forming Division, our highly talented team blends a passion for manufacturing with relentless customer support, making we the partner of choice for complex aerospace solutions. Working at EMFD is about being part of a team, a culture, something that is bigger than each of us individually. We began as a small group of people passionately committed to a common goal. That is why we are so proud of everyone in our Exotic family who strives to be the best at what they do every day, working as a collaborative team in a culture of continuous improvement to stretch the bounds of creative thinking and provide quality products to our customers around the globe.

The Controls Engineering Specialist Level 1 supports the development, testing, implementation, and maintenance of software for new and existing machine control systems. This role assists with automation projects, equipment startups, documentation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities under the guidance of experienced engineers or programmers.

Functions, Responsibilities and Required Experience

• Assist with programming, testing, debugging, and maintaining control software using PLC platforms, structured text, PC-based controls, and languages such as C++, Python, or other approved tools.
• Support automation projects for manufacturing equipment, fixtures, robotic cells, retrofits, and equipment updates.
• Assist with basic control system modifications, troubleshooting, startup, commissioning, trial runs, and production support.
• Help select, configure, and integrate sensors, HMIs, drives, instrumentation, pneumatic/hydraulic devices, and other automation hardware under supervision.
• Make basic CAD updates to layouts, drawings, schematics, or components as assigned.
• Support control panel wiring, checkout, fabrication, assembly, and validation activities.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including schematics, bills of material, software notes, backups, equipment records, and project updates.
• Troubleshoot basic machine, controls, software, network, and instrumentation issues; elevate complex problems as needed.
• Learn and apply new automation technologies, tools, and methods to improve safety, quality, maintainability, and productivity.
• Provide basic technical support to technicians, operators, engineers, and team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BS), associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent experience in automation, controls, electrical engineering technology, computer science, mechatronics, robotics, or related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience programming controls for safety-critical physical systems, such as industrial equipment, medical devices, or vehicle electronics.
• 1-3 years of experience programming in modern object-oriented languages.
• Basic understanding of PLCs, industrial controls, sensors, HMIs, drives, electrical schematics, and machine control systems.
• Ability to read technical drawings, follow procedures, document work, and communicate effectively.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in office and manufacturing environments.
• Use of personal protective equipment may be required, including safety glasses, protective footwear, hearing protection, gloves, and other equipment.
• May be exposed to machinery, electrical panels, noise, heat, dust, oils, coolants, and other industrial conditions.
• Occasional overtime, weekend work, or travel may be required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, balance, reach, kneel, crouch, and handle materials as needed.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work around industrial machinery, tools, control panels, and wiring.

Drug-Free Workplace

In accordance with Parker's policies and applicable state laws, Parker provides for a drug-free workplace. Therefore, all applicants seeking employment with Parker will be subject to drug testing as a condition of employment.

Competitive Compensation

• Pay Range: $70890 to $117300 annually
• Participation in Annual Incentive Program

Parker offers competitive benefit programs, including:

• Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and critical illness insurance with competitive premium cost.
• 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay.
• Company provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay.
• Career development and tuition reimbursement.
• Other benefits including paid parental leave, short and long-term disability programs, adoption assistance, a Care.com membership and financial planning assistance are provided at no cost to you.
• Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness are available at competitive rates.
• Paid Time Off and Company-Paid Holidays.

Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affinitive Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. However, U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency or other appropriate status is required for certain positions, in accord with U.S. import & export regulations.

(Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / VEVRAA Federal Contractor)

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission