Industrial Controls Engineer

Smiths Group; Portland (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Group, via Flex-Tek Innovation Team, seeks an Industrial Controls Engineer to drive automation projects from concept to plant floor. You will design control panels, write PLC/HMI logic, and integrate with mechanical and electrical systems to deliver safe, reliable production solutions.

You will evaluate opportunities, support startups, and ensure documentation is clear and maintainable. Travel 10–20% is expected as you partner with sites and engineering teams to optimize safety, quality,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial controls and automation.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems (e.g., C-more, FactoryTalk, WinCC, Ignition).
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus).
• Familiarity with electrical design software (Solidworks Electrical Schematic, Draftsight, EPLAN).
• Knowledge of safety standards (Cat. 1-4, NFPA 70E, UL508A, ISO 13849).
• Excellent problem‑solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop PLC, HMI, SCADA, and networked control systems.
• Create electrical schematics, panel layouts, and control system designs.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Design Engineers to ensure early consideration of controls and safety.
• Select sensors, actuators, drives, and hardware suited to the application.
• Program PLCs and configure HMIs for production use.
• Integrate controls with mechanical, electrical, robotic, and process equipment.
• Support hands‑on control panel builds and wiring checks.
• Test, troubleshoot, and refine automation sequences and safety interlocks.

Skills

Industrial controls

5+ years experience

HMI/SCADA

Industrial protocols

Safety standards

Robotics (optional)

IIoT

Multi-project management

Electrical schematics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

HMI/SCADA software (C-more, FactoryTalk, WinCC, Ignition)

Electrical design software (Solidworks Electrical Schematic, Draftsight, EPLAN)

Job description

Flex-Tek, a division of Smiths, is a global manufacturing organization serving critical markets including aerospace, construction, thermal, and industrial applications.

Job Description

We are looking for a skilled and self-motivated Industrial Controls Engineer to join our Flex-Tek Innovation Team. This position supports Flex-Tek’s broader automation and innovation efforts by helping evaluate opportunities, apply the right technologies, and bring reliable systems into production. This role is a strong fit for an experienced controls engineer who enjoys staying close to the equipment, taking ownership of meaningful automation work, and seeing ideas move from concept to the plant floor.

In this role, you will regularly evaluate automation opportunities, design control panels and electrical layouts, write and troubleshoot PLC and HMI logic, support equipment startups, and work with operators, technicians, engineers, and maintenance teams to solve practical manufacturing problems. You will help improve existing systems as well as develop new ones, with a focus on safe, reliable, and maintainable solutions. The right candidate brings proven controls experience, strong attention to detail, and pride in keeping drawings, documentation, wiring, and control cabinets clean, accurate, and serviceable. We also value continuous learning and the ability to apply emerging technologies to real automation opportunities. If you enjoy hands‑on engineering, practical problem solving, and turning complex systems into dependable production solutions, this position offers the opportunity to make a visible impact across Flex‑Tek businesses while continuing to grow professionally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop Reliable Controls Solutions
  • Design PLC, HMI, SCADA, and networked control systems that solve practical manufacturing challenges.
  • Create electrical schematics, panel layouts, and control system designs that are safe, clear, maintainable, and ready for implementation.
  • Collaborate with Mechanical Design Engineers and the Innovation Team during equipment design to ensure controls, wiring, safety, serviceability, and automation requirements are considered early in the process.
  • Select sensors, actuators, drives, and control hardware that fit the application, performance goals, and long‑term service needs.
• Build, Program, and Bring Systems Online
  • Program PLCs and configure HMIs that are dependable for production teams and intuitive for operators.
  • Integrate controls with mechanical, electrical, robotic, and process equipment to create complete working systems.
  • Support hands‑on control panel builds, field sensor installation, wiring, and system checkout.
  • Test, troubleshoot, and refine automation sequences, alarms, and safety interlocks to support safe and consistent operation.
• Own Meaningful Automation Work
  • Evaluate automation opportunities for technical feasibility, project risk, implementation effort, and long‑term support requirements.
  • Support installation, startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization at manufacturing sites.
  • Work with engineering, operations, maintenance, operators, technicians, and leadership to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and production capability.
• Keep Systems Organized and Supportable
  • Maintain accurate wiring diagrams, logic descriptions, user guides, panel layouts, cabinet documentation, and other support materials.
  • Keep control cabinets, drawings, documentation, and system changes organized, accurate, and serviceable for long‑term support.
  • Provide technical guidance and hands‑on training so internal teams can operate and maintain systems with confidence.
  • Capture lessons learned and improve controls standards so future automation projects are safer, cleaner, and more effective.

Travel:10-20%

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field. Equivalent hands‑on controls experience may be considered
• 5+ years of experience in industrial controls and automation.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems (e.g., C-more, FactoryTalk, WinCC, Ignition).
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus).
• Familiarity with electrical design software (Solidworks Electrical Schematic, Draftsight, EPLAN).
• Knowledge of safety standards (Cat. 1-4, NFPA 70E, UL508A, ISO 13849).
• Excellent problem‑solving and communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with robotics and motion control systems.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies and IIoT integration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to read, create, and interpret electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and control system documentation.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.