Senior Control Engineer - Custom Automation & Commissioning

United Pharma; Tennessee; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

United Pharma seeks an experienced controls engineer to design, program, debug, and commission a custom automation build project. This role focuses on hands-on development rather than production support, with responsibilities spanning programming, testing, and customer-facing startup support.

The candidate should have 5–10 years in controls/automation, strong PLC/HMI capabilities (Beckhoff preferred), and Rockwell/C# or Structured Text experience as alternates.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of relevant controls/automation experience.
• PLC/HMI programming, Beckhoff strongly preferred.
• If no Beckhoff: strong Rockwell experience with Structured Text or C#.
• Custom machine/automation build experience.
• Strong troubleshooting, debugging, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Genuine interest in hands‑on support and debugging.
• Cognex vision experience is a plus.
• Working knowledge of electrical circuits, panels, pneumatics, hydraulics, robotics, VFDs, servos, and industrial networks.
• Education is secondary to relevant industry experience.
• Wastewater industry experience is not relevant/required.

Responsibilities

• Develop PLC/HMI controls software packages.
• Program robotic and controls equipment to customer specifications.
• Review customer specifications and ensure equipment functionality meets requirements.
• Support machine startup, commissioning, debugging, and customer acceptance.
• Develop equipment operation manuals and service documentation.
• Assist with controls/design reviews and functional checks.
• Provide technical support and end‑user training.
• Perform preventative maintenance when required.
• Work directly with customers in potentially high‑pressure environments.
• Maintain strong safety standards and professional customer relationships.

Skills

Beckhoff PLC/HMI

Rockwell PLC

Structured Text

C#

Custom automation build

Troubleshooting & debugging

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Rockwell Studio 5000

Cognex Vision

Job description

United Pharma seeks an experienced controls engineer to design, program, debug, and commission a custom automation build project. This role focuses on hands-on development rather than production support, with responsibilities spanning programming, testing, and customer-facing startup support.

The candidate should have 5–10 years in controls/automation, strong PLC/HMI capabilities (Beckhoff preferred), and Rockwell/C# or Structured Text experience as alternates.