Electrical Controls Engineer — On‑Site PLC & Automation Lead

Engtal; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Engtal is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer for a hands-on role in Lafayette, IN. You will design and upgrade electrical control systems, program AB PLCs, and develop HMIs to monitor processes.

This position requires collaboration with maintenance, mechanical, IT, and production teams to enhance equipment reliability and manufacturing efficiency. The role emphasizes capital projects, equipment commissioning, and system modernization in an industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related discipline; alternatively, an associate degree with 5+ years of relevant industrial manufacturing experience.
• Strong experience with Allen-Bradley PLC programming, troubleshooting, and modifications.
• Experience using RSLogix and/or Studio 5000.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for electrical schematics, control panel drawings, and electrical design documentation.
• Experience working with HMIs, VFDs, AC/DC drives, and industrial motor control systems.
• Strong understanding of electrical circuits, industrial power distribution, and control system design.
• Experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment in a production environment.
• Ability to diagnose electrical and controls issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Familiarity with industrial networking and communication systems.
• Understanding of applicable electrical codes, safety regulations, and industrial engineering standards.
• Experience supporting equipment installation, upgrades, and commissioning.
• Ability to manage engineering projects, coordinate vendors, and support budgets and schedules.
• Strong communication, analytical, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working directly with maintenance technicians and production personnel on the manufacturing floor.
• Ability to balance ongoing plant support with longer‑term engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and modify electrical control systems for industrial manufacturing equipment
• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain Allen-Bradley PLCs using RSLogix and Studio 5000
• Develop and modify HMI applications to support equipment operation and process monitoring
• Create and update electrical schematics, control panel drawings, and supporting documentation using AutoCAD
• Troubleshoot electrical equipment, PLC logic, industrial controls, and production-related issues
• Configure and support variable frequency drives (VFDs), AC/DC drives, and associated motor control systems
• Support equipment upgrades, automation improvements, and manufacturing process optimization
• Work closely with maintenance technicians to diagnose equipment failures and implement long-term corrective solutions
• Participate in capital improvement projects involving new equipment, controls upgrades, and system modernization
• Support equipment installation, testing, startup, and commissioning activities
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors during equipment installations and engineering projects
• Assist with project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and procurement of electrical components
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, maintenance, production, and IT teams to support plant operations
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, safety, efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance
• Ensure electrical systems and modifications comply with applicable safety standards and engineering requirements
• Manage multiple engineering priorities while providing technical support to ongoing manufacturing operations

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC programming

RSLogix Studio 5000

Electrical controls design

HMI programming

AutoCAD

Electrical troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Associate degree + 5+ years experience

Tools

AutoCAD

RSLogix/Studio 5000

HMI Software

Job description

Engtal is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer for a hands-on role in Lafayette, IN. You will design and upgrade electrical control systems, program AB PLCs, and develop HMIs to monitor processes.

This position requires collaboration with maintenance, mechanical, IT, and production teams to enhance equipment reliability and manufacturing efficiency. The role emphasizes capital projects, equipment commissioning, and system modernization in an industrial setting.