Lead Controls Engineer – PLC, Robotics & SCADA

Vulcan Elements; Benson (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements, based in North Carolina, seeks a Controls Engineer to own controls execution for the magnet equipment portfolio within a massive 1 million square foot manufacturing facility expansion. You will cradle-to-grave design reviews, FAT witness, site commissioning, and sustaining support with hands-on implementation.

This high-ownership role requires expertise in industrial automation, working on Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs/HMIs, and travel to OEM FATs up to ~50% during test

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Masters degree in electrical engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field with 3+ years of direct industrial automation and controls engineering experience.
• Strong hands on experience programming and commissioning Siemens and AllenBradley/Rockwell PLCs and HMIs.
• Deep understanding of servos, VFDs, highspeed conveyors, robotic cells, and automated material handling systems.
• Proficiency with Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, OPCUA, and similar industrial communication standards.
• Analog loop fundamentals, gas analyzer integration (O2, pressure, flow), loop tuning, and the literacy to read and validate safety-rated circuits and safety PLC

Responsibilities

• PLC Programming & Commissioning: Execute hands-on programming, debugging, and commissioning of Siemens and AllenBradley/Rockwell PLCs and HMIs for new and existing automation equipment.
• Advanced Automation & System Integration: Drive the integration and commissioning of robotics, conveyors, and motion control systems to enable seamless material flow and high reliability production operations.
• SCADA/MES Connectivity: Configure and maintain communications between PLCs/HMIs and SCADA/Batch systems.
• Vendor Technical Support & FATs: Review vendor electrical schematics, controls architectures, and PLC/HMI logic; support FATs/SATs for compliance.
• Troubleshooting & Technical Escalation: Serve as first-line responder for diagnosing complex automation issues.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

Robotics & motion control

Industrial networks (Ethernet/IP/Profi

Safety circuits & PFMEA

Python/C++ for automation

Regulated industries experience

Education

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

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI programming

SCADA Ignition/Wonderware

VFDs/Servos

Robotics integration

Job description

Vulcan Elements, based in North Carolina, seeks a Controls Engineer to own controls execution for the magnet equipment portfolio within a massive 1 million square foot manufacturing facility expansion. You will cradle-to-grave design reviews, FAT witness, site commissioning, and sustaining support with hands-on implementation.

This high-ownership role requires expertise in industrial automation, working on Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs/HMIs, and travel to OEM FATs up to ~50% during test