Junior Controls Engineer

Pitco Engineering; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

PITCO Engineering seeks a Junior Controls Engineer eager to grow in automation and robotics. You will gain hands-on experience across diverse projects and enhance troubleshooting skills in real-world manufacturing environments. The role requires frequent travel (domestic and international, up to 70%) and regular overtime to meet project deadlines.

No relocation assistance is available. Responsibilities include assisting with installation, programming, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Mechatronics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, or robotics preferred
• U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel internationally sometimes

Responsibilities

• Assist installation, programming and troubleshooting of controls and automation systems
• Support commissioning, start-up and maintenance of robotic equipment
• Collaborate with senior engineers on design, integration and optimization of control systems
• Perform hands-on electrical and mechanical tasks in field settings
• Document project progress and technical updates for reports

Skills

Field troubleshooting

Travel readiness

Documentation skills

Education

Associate degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

Robotics

Job description

The Role

We're seeking a Junior Controls Engineer who is eager to grow in the field of automation and robotics. This role offers significant exposure to diverse projects, extensive hands-on experience, and the opportunity to develop technical and troubleshooting skills in real-world manufacturing environments.

This position requires flexibility and dedication - including frequent travel (domestic and international, up to 70%) and regular overtime to meet project deadlines. No relocation assistance is available.

What you'll do:
Assist with the installation, programming, and troubleshooting of controls and automation systems
Support commissioning, start-up, and maintenance of robotic and automated equipment
Collaborate with senior engineers on design, integration, and optimization of control systems
Perform hands-on electrical and mechanical tasks as required in field settings
Document project progress, updates, and technical details for internal and client reporting

Requirements

• Associate degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering; OR previous experience in controls or robotics; OR licensed electrician with demonstrated affinity for controls/robotics
• Valid U.S. driver's license; ability to obtain a passport for international travel
• Must pass drug screening and background check
• A high degree of travel flexibility is essential
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. (no visa sponsorship available)
• Preferred: hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, or robotics
• Preferred: strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently in field environments

About PITCO Engineering

PITCO Engineering is an industrial automation engineering firm on one mission: make automation work for every manufacturer - not just the largest. We design, build, deploy, and optimize automation for some of the biggest manufacturers in the industry, and put that decade of experience in reach of system integrators and the small and mid-sized manufacturers the industry has left behind.

Our vision is to get 10,000 manufacturers standardized - ready to compete with the giants and help rebuild the industrial base. We work in the only order that compounds: get the process right, standardize the result, then make it repeatable through Start with Standard and our AEOS platform.

How we work is held to six values - integrity, accountability, transparency, discipline, alignment, and results. No exceptions.