Lead Controls Engineer - Industrial Automation & Robotics

Vulcan Elements; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements in Durham, NC seeks a Controls Engineer to own controls execution for the finishing equipment portfolio within a major facility expansion. You will cradle-to-grave packages from design reviews to FAT, site commissioning, and sustaining support with hands-on implementation and up to 50% travel to OEM tests.

The role requires expertise in industrial automation, robotics, and safety, with experience wiring PLCs, robot cells (Fanuc/ABB/KUKA), and SCADA/MES integration.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of direct industrial automation and controls engineering experience.
• Hands-on PLC/HMI programming and safety PLCs (GuardLogix).
• Experience integrating multi-axis robots including teaching, program review, and safety handshaking.
• Experience with grinding, finishing, conveyors, and automated ovens in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Ethernet/IP and related industrial networks.
• U.S. Person due to export-controlled information access.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on programming, debugging, and commissioning of industrial control hardware.
• Own integration and commissioning of robot cells (Fanuc/ABB/KUKA) and safety zones.
• Execute FATs and SATs and perform risk assessments per ISO/TS 15066 and ANSI/RIA.
• Configure PLCs, robots, and SCADA/MES communications across plant networks.
• Review vendor schematics and lead FAT/SAT demonstrations on-site.
• Integrate inspection/metrology equipment into control systems and data flow.

Skills

Industrial automation

Robotics integration

PLC programming

Safety standards

Network communications

FAT/SAT testing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Siemens

Fanuc

ABB

KUKA

OPC UA

Job description

Vulcan Elements in Durham, NC seeks a Controls Engineer to own controls execution for the finishing equipment portfolio within a major facility expansion. You will cradle-to-grave packages from design reviews to FAT, site commissioning, and sustaining support with hands-on implementation and up to 50% travel to OEM tests.

The role requires expertise in industrial automation, robotics, and safety, with experience wiring PLCs, robot cells (Fanuc/ABB/KUKA), and SCADA/MES integration.