Entry-Level Controls Engineer – PLC & HMI in Pharma

Virtue America; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Virtue America is seeking an entry-level Controls Engineer I to support design, development, implementation, and maintenance of industrial automation and control systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical device facilities.

You will assist with PLC programming, HMI configuration, troubleshooting, equipment commissioning, and automation system validation while ensuring compliance with GMP and FDA requirements. This role offers hands-on growth in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Must possess foundational knowledge of PLC programming and its practical implementation.
• Understand electrical schematics and control panels.
• Familiarity with HMI and SCADA systems for configuration and troubleshooting.
• Basic knowledge of industrial sensors and instrumentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prepare technical documentation, test protocols, and reports.
• Entry-level with 0–2 years of experience in industrial automation.
• Design, develop, implement, and maintain automation control systems with GMP/FDA awareness.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and maintaining PLC-based control systems.
• Support automation equipment installation and commissioning.
• Monitor and troubleshoot electrical and control system issues.
• Assist with HMI and SCADA system configuration.
• Support automation testing and equipment qualification.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and validation teams.
• Prepare technical documentation, test protocols, and reports.
• Follow GMP, FDA, and workplace safety requirements.
• Support equipment upgrades and process automation improvements.
• Assist with troubleshooting sensors, motors, drives, and control panels.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical schematics

Control panels

HMI/SCADA familiarity

Sensors & instrumentation

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Electronics Engineering / Instrumentation Engineering / Mechatronics / Automation Engineering

Tools

SCADA software

HMI software

Job description

Virtue America is seeking an entry-level Controls Engineer I to support design, development, implementation, and maintenance of industrial automation and control systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical device facilities.

You will assist with PLC programming, HMI configuration, troubleshooting, equipment commissioning, and automation system validation while ensuring compliance with GMP and FDA requirements. This role offers hands-on growth in a regulated environment.