Junior Controls Engineer (Industrial Automation)

GCS Recruitment; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment invites applications for a Junior Controls Engineer to support development and deployment of advanced industrial automation and material handling systems in Bellevue, WA. This entry-level role is ideal for recent graduates and early-career automation professionals seeking hands-on experience with modern industrial platforms.

You will work with experienced engineers to configure, test, and validate control systems, gaining exposure to PLC programming, industrial networking, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Controls or related field.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and engineering drawings.
• Basic programming knowledge in any language.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• On-site full-time work in Bellevue, WA.

Responsibilities

• Interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and control system documentation.
• Analyze conveyor systems, motor control layouts, safety circuits, and automation equipment configurations.
• Trace industrial network topology and device communication structures.
• Build, validate, and test configuration files according to engineering standards.
• Support troubleshooting by reviewing control logic and system configurations.
• Participate in engineering reviews, testing activities, and team meetings.
• Maintain technical documentation and configuration records.
• Manage deliverables using version control and project tracking tools.
• Collaborate with senior engineers on automation and controls projects.

Skills

Electrical schematics reading

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Controls/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

TwinCAT

CODESYS

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

EtherCAT

EtherNet/IP

IO-Link

Git

Linux

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a Junior Controls Engineer to support the development and deployment of advanced industrial automation and material handling systems. This role is ideal for recent graduates, entry-level engineers, and early-career automation professionals looking to build expertise in controls software, industrial networking, and automation technologies.

You will work alongside experienced engineers to configure, test, and validate control systems while gaining hands‑on experience with modern industrial automation platforms and real‑world engineering projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and control system documentation.
• Analyze conveyor systems, motor control layouts, safety circuits, and automation equipment configurations.
• Trace industrial network topology and device communication structures.
• Build, validate, and test configuration files according to established engineering standards.
• Support troubleshooting activities by reviewing control logic and system configurations.
• Participate in engineering reviews, testing activities, and team meetings.
• Maintain technical documentation and configuration records.
• Manage deliverables using version control and project tracking tools.
• Collaborate with senior engineers on automation and controls projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and engineering drawings.
• Basic programming knowledge in any language.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Bellevue, WA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to PLC programming platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, TwinCAT, or CODESYS.
• Experience with Ladder Logic or Structured Text programming.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, or IO-Link.
• Familiarity with Git version control.
• Basic Linux knowledge.
• Prior exposure to manufacturing, industrial automation, maintenance, or commissioning environments.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from:

• Recent graduates and Graduate Engineers.
• Engineering Interns and Co-op Students seeking a full-time opportunity.
• Junior Controls Engineers.
• Automation Engineers.
• PLC Programmers.
• Maintenance Technicians.
• Commissioning Engineers.
• Electrical Engineers with automation project experience.

Professional controls experience is not required. Candidates with strong technical fundamentals, hands‑on projects, internships, or relevant coursework are encouraged to apply.

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.