Mechatronics Controls Engineer

Columbia Machine, Inc.

Vancouver (WA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid holidays & PTO

Job summary

Columbia Machine, Inc. seeks a Mechatronics Controls Engineer to design, develop, program, integrate, test, and commission automated machinery.

You will work with ME, EE, manufacturing, service, and project teams throughout the product lifecycle, from concept to field startup and support. The role covers PLC/HMI, motion control, SCADA, servo systems, safety circuits, and machine interfaces, with travel to customer sites and strong collaboration across disciplines.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field is required.
Minimum of 5 years in industrial automation, controls, robotics, or machine design.
Experience with capital equipment manufacturing is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, program, test, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, motion control, SCADA, and robotics systems.
Configure and commission controls systems, servo systems, VFDs, sensors, and vision.
Design control logic, safety circuits, and operational sequences.
Create automation standards, reusable modules, and documentation.
Travel to customer sites for startup, commissioning, and training.

Skills

PLC Programming

HMI Development

Motion Control

Industrial Networking

Machine Safety

Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

Python/C# scripting

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechatronics Engineering

Minimum 5 years of automation/controls experience

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Mitsubishi

FactoryTalk ME

FactoryTalk View SE

Indramat

Job description

At Columbia we come to work every day driven by the belief that innovation can transform industries, empower communities, and create a more efficient, sustainable world.

With operations spanning five continents and a commitment to excellence in service and support, our purpose extends beyond engineering advanced equipment. We are pioneering innovation and paving a better tomorrow with factory automation solutions worldwide.

Position Summary

The Mechatronics Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming, integration, testing, and commissioning of automated machinery and equipment. This position combines electrical, controls, robotics, software engineering, SCADA, and a solid knowledge of mechanical principles to deliver reliable, high-performance automation solutions. The engineer will work closely with mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing, service, and project management teams throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept through field startup and customer support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Develop, program, test, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, motion control, SCADA, and robotic systems.
Configure and commission controls systems, servo systems, VFDs, industrial networks, sensors, and vision systems.
Design machine control logic, safety circuits, and operational sequences.
Develop and maintain automation standards, reusable software modules, and engineering documentation.
Support remote diagnostics, troubleshooting, and performance improvements.
Design and integrate electro-mechanical systems including actuators, conveyors, robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, sensors, and machine interfaces.
Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers, as well as service to ensure seamless integration of machine systems.
Participate in machine risk assessments and safety reviews.
Evaluate new technologies and recommend improvements to product performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

Machine Development & Testing

Perform system validation and functional testing during assembly and startup.
Assist in prototype development and R&D activities for new products and enhancements.
Support troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, software, and systems integration issues.
Analyze machine performance data and implement corrective actions as needed.

Project Execution

Support projects from concept through design, manufacturing, installation, and customer acceptance.
Generate Bills of Material (BOMs), I/O lists, functional specifications, operators’ manuals, and engineering documentation.
Coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet project schedules and customer requirements.
Provide technical support to Sales, Manufacturing, Service, and Customer Care teams.

Field Support

Travel to customer sites for startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, optimization, and training activities.
Work directly with customers to diagnose and resolve equipment performance issues.
Support machine upgrades, retrofits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge

Controls & Software

PLC Programming (Rockwell and Mitsubishi)
HMI Development (FactoryTalk ME and Mitsubishi)
SCADA Development (FactoryTalk View SE)
Motion Control and Servo Systems (Rockwell and Indramat)
EtherNet/IP
Profinet
Modbus TCP/IP
Basic programming/scripting experience (Structured Text, Python, C#, or equivalent)

Mechanical & Electrical Systems

Sensors and Instrumentation
Pneumatic Systems
Hydraulic Systems
Industrial Electrical Design
Machine Safety Standards
Electrical and Mechanical Schematics
Machine Vision Systems

Skills

Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
Project and process management
Strong written and verbal communication
Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
Customer-focused mindset

Education and Experience

Required

Bachelor's Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related discipline.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, robotics, or machine design

Preferred

Experience with capital equipment manufacturing.
Experience integrating robotics and vision systems.
Experience commissioning automated production systems.
Familiarity with machine safety standards including ANSI, NFPA 79, ISO 13849, UL508A and CE requirements

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in office, manufacturing, and customer site environments.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, and work around industrial equipment.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Travel

Up to 30% travel based on project requirements.
Efforts are made for advance notice, however there can be urgent situations that require short notice travel.
Travel up to 3 weeks in duration prior to returning home.

Success Measures

Delivers projects on schedule and within budget.
Produces reliable, maintainable control systems.
Supports successful equipment startup and customer acceptance.
Reduces machine downtime through effective design and troubleshooting.
Contributes to continuous product improvement and innovation.

Columbia Machine offers a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, short and long term disability, 401(k), incentive compensation, paid holidays, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Equal Opportunity Employer - Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Columbia does participate in E-Verify. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The company does not sponsor employment visas or work authorization.

JobType: Full-Time