Industrial Controls Engineer: Hands-On Automation Leader

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

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,