Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Mount Kemble Search Group; Maine; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Mount Kemble Search Group is seeking a Senior Automation Controls Engineer who thrives on ownership and problem-solving, taking projects from concept to customer acceptance. You will design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and machine control systems while coordinating with mechanical and electrical teams.

The role requires 5+ years in industrial automation, strong ladder logic skills, experience with HMI/SCADA, and knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, DeviceNet, or IO-Link.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field (Bachelor's preferred).
• 5+ years of industrial automation or controls engineering experience.
• Strong PLC programming skills, particularly ladder logic.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, DeviceNet, or IO-Link.
• Experience integrating robots, vision systems, motion control, and electrical systems.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot complex automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Program and integrate PLC, HMI, and machine control systems from design through commissioning.
• Develop and troubleshoot automation systems incorporating robots, servo and motion control, and safety systems.
• Lead machine testing, debugging, and customer acceptance activities.
• Travel to customer sites for commissioning, SAT support, and field updates.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and engineering teams.
• Mentor technicians and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial protocols

Robots and motion control

Troubleshooting complex systems

Education

Associate's degree in Engineering Technology or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

We’re looking for a Senior Automation Controls Engineer who thrives on ownership, problem-solving, and seeing projects through from concept to customer acceptance. If you’ve built and commissioned automation systems before and you’re looking for more technically challenging projects, this could be your next step.

What You'll Do

• Program and integrate PLC, HMI, and machine control systems from design through commissioning
• Develop and troubleshoot automation systems incorporating:
  • Robots (6-axis, SCARA, Cartesian)
  • Servo and motion control
  • Safety systems
• Lead machine testing, debugging, and customer acceptance activities
• Travel to customer sites for commissioning, SAT support, and field updates
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and engineering teams
• Mentor technicians and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

What We're Looking For

• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field (Bachelor's preferred)
• 5+ years of industrial automation or controls engineering experience
• Strong PLC programming skills, particularly ladder logic
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, DeviceNet, or IO-Link
• Experience integrating robots, vision systems, motion control, and electrical systems
• Ability to independently troubleshoot complex automation systems