Industrial Automation Controls Engineer — Print, Die-Cut & Converting

Arrow International, Inc.; Brunswick (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Arrow International, Inc. is expanding its automation footprint across high-volume print and converting operations. We are seeking an engineer to own execution from concept through commissioning and help transform ideas into reliable production solutions.

The role involves programming and debugging PLCs (Allen-Bradley preferred), creating HMIs, and integrating automation across multiple systems. Candidate should have 3–5 years of PLC work, experience with vision systems, and strong documentation

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical, Controls, or Automation Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5 years of PLC programming experience; Allen-Bradley preferred.
• Hands-on experience with HMI development and controls integration in industrial/manufacturing environments.
• Background supporting production equipment, automation projects, or manufacturing process improvements.
• Experience with industrial vision systems (e.g., Cognex or Keyence) is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Program, debug, and sustain PLC platforms to stabilize and enhance production lines.
• Create and maintain HMIs for equipment operators with intuitive interfaces.
• Deliver controls integration across print, converting, die cutting, collating, finishing, and related web-handling systems.
• Deploy industrial vision solutions for in-line inspection, quality gates, and serialization confirmation.
• Integrate inkjet, laser, and variable-data printing technologies within workflows.
• Support robotics programming and automation to boost throughput and repeatability.
• Produce and update electrical drawings, panel layouts, wiring standards, and controls documentation.
• Collaborate with Process Engineering to implement automation on prioritized improvement initiatives.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robotics programming

Troubleshooting

Vision systems integration

Electrical schematics

Education

B.S. in electrical, controls, or automation engineering (or equivalent experience)

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Cognex Vision Systems

Keyence Vision Systems

Job description

Arrow International is growing its automation footprint across high-volume print and converting operations. As process-improvement opportunities expand and pull tab throughput projects mature, the slate of automation work is outpacing a single engineer’s bandwidth. That’s where you come in - owning execution from concept through commissioning and helping transform ideas into reliable production solutions.

A day in this role

Morning might start on the floor reviewing an HMI update for a die cutter, then shift to troubleshooting an Allen-Bradley PLC issue affecting uptime. After lunch, you could be pairing with Process Engineering to integrate a machine vision check for serialization verification, followed by documenting a panel redesign and wiring standard so the next upgrade is repeatable. You balance hands‑on production support with steady progress on projects that raise throughput, quality, and repeatability.

What you’ll take on

• Program, debug, and sustain PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley preferred) to stabilize and enhance production lines.
• Create and maintain HMIs for equipment operators, ensuring intuitive, reliable interfaces.
• Deliver controls integration across print, converting, die cutting, collating, finishing, and related web-handling systems.
• Deploy industrial vision solutions for in-line inspection, quality gates, and serialization confirmation.
• Integrate commercial inkjet, laser, and variable-data printing technologies within manufacturing workflows.
• Support robotics programming and automation that reduces labor, boosts throughput, improves quality, and drives repeatability.
• Produce and update electrical drawings, panel layouts, wiring standards, and other controls documentation.
• Work shoulder-to-shoulder with Process Engineering to implement automation on prioritized improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Controls Engineering to align integration strategies with process improvements.
• Troubleshoot with Maintenance and Production to resolve controls issues and maximize uptime.
• Assist with equipment upgrades, process enhancements, and installation of new automation.
• Standardize controls practices, documentation, and reusable solutions across production areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

How you’ll collaborate

You’ll partner closely with Process Engineering, Controls Engineering, Production, Maintenance, and Operations to implement automation, integrate controls, improve equipment capability, and drive manufacturing efficiency across print, converting, die‑cutting, and related lines.

What you’ll bring

• B.S. in Electrical, Controls, or Automation Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5 years of PLC programming experience; Allen-Bradley preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with HMI development and controls integration in industrial/manufacturing environments.
• Background supporting production equipment, automation projects, or manufacturing process improvements.
• Experience with industrial vision systems (e.g., Cognex or Keyence) is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with inkjet/laser coding, serialization, or variable-data printing integration is highly desirable.
• Robotics programming experience preferred.
• Ability to read, create, and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel designs, and controls documentation.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills for on‑floor equipment and controls issues.
• Clear communication skills for cross‑functional work with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, and Operations.
• Comfort operating in both project mode and hands‑on production support.

Proficiencies

• Industrial Robot Programming
• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
• PLC Programming Experience
• Pneumatics Troubleshooting