Entry-Level Controls Engineer: PLC/HMI, 50% Travel

Automationtechies; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Automationtechies is seeking an entry-level Controls Engineer to join the engineering team in Waukesha, WI. You will learn to design, program, test, troubleshoot, and support PLC and HMI driven control systems for automated food and beverage processing equipment.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs while collaborating with senior engineers on automation and continuous improvement projects, with travel up to 50% across North America.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field, or currently completing your degree.
• 0–2 years of controls or control systems engineering experience
• Internship, co‑op, manufacturing, or process industry experience is a plus
• Coursework or hands‑on experience with PLC programming and HMI development
• Exposure to Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Ignition, or similar platforms
• Basic understanding of PID control and feedback systems
• Interest in industrial automation, electrical systems, and controls
• Strong problem‑solving and communication skills
• Willingness to learn and work alongside experienced engineers
• Ability to travel up to 50%, primarily throughout North America

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and implementation of PLC and HMI control systems
• Support electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, BOMs, and process flow diagrams
• Program and support PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs
• Work with control panels and field devices
• Help develop functional narratives, manuals, and startup procedures
• Participate in in-house testing and customer acceptance testing
• Travel to customer sites throughout North America, up to 50%
• Support equipment startup, troubleshooting, and commissioning
• Help train customer maintenance and operations personnel
• Work with engineering, production, and service teams
• Troubleshoot control system issues with support from senior engineers
• Collaborate with senior engineers and build your technical expertise
• Participate in automation and continuous improvement projects

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

PID control

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Willingness to learn

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Controls Engineering

Currently completing degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Ignition

HMI platforms

Job description

Automationtechies is seeking an entry-level Controls Engineer to join the engineering team in Waukesha, WI. You will learn to design, program, test, troubleshoot, and support PLC and HMI driven control systems for automated food and beverage processing equipment.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs while collaborating with senior engineers on automation and continuous improvement projects, with travel up to 50% across North America.