Senior Controls & Drives Engineer

OERTZENGroup; Swedesboro (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training program

Competitive benefits

Paid vacation

Growth opportunities

Job summary

OERTZENGroup in Swedesboro, NJ seeks a Senior Controls & Drives Engineer to design, program, and commission PLC/HMI systems for wire drawing and coiling equipment. You will work with Allen Bradley/Rockwell platforms, drive systems, and motion control, collaborating across engineering teams to deliver robust machine solutions.

The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, customer interaction, and ongoing training with a path toward Engineering Manager through a structured growth program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent industry experience.
• 5+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and commissioning experience.
• Ability to travel up to 10% and on-site work in Swedesboro, NJ.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and commission PLC and HMI programs for wire drawing and coiling machinery.
• Program and troubleshoot Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation systems.
• Configure and optimize industrial drive systems and motion control applications.
• Integrate PLCs, drives, motors, and networks into complete machine solutions.
• Support FAT, commissioning, and field troubleshooting activities.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and service teams.
• Analyze machine performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with technical documentation, software standards, and automation best practices.
• Support customer installations and provide technical expertise when required.

Skills

Allen Bradley PLCs

RSLogix 500/5000

FactoryTalk View

Siemens Step 7

Siemens TIA Portal

Ethernet/IP

Profinet

Drive systems

Motion control

Automation integration

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens

Rockwell Automation

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Controls & Drives Engineer to join the engineering team in Swedesboro, NJ. This role focuses on PLC programming, automation, motion control, and drive systems for advanced wire drawing and coiling equipment. Following a comprehensive training period, this individual will have the opportunity to progress into the Engineering Manager position.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and commission PLC and HMI programs for wire drawing and coiling machinery.
• Program and troubleshoot Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation systems.
• Configure and optimize industrial drive systems and motion control applications.
• Integrate PLCs, drives, motors, and communication networks into complete machine solutions.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), commissioning, and field troubleshooting activities.
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and service teams.
• Analyze machine performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with technical documentation, software standards, and automation best practices.
• Support customer installations and provide technical expertise when required.

Qualifications & Experience

Automation & Controls

• Strong experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell PLCs including RSLogix 500/5000 and FactoryTalk View.
• Experience with at least one additional automation platform such as Siemens Step 7, Siemens TIA Portal,
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP and Profinet.

Drives & Motion Control

• Experience with drive systems from Siemens, Yaskawa, ABB, Lenze, Rockwell, Parker SSD (Eurotherm), or Control Techniques.
• Good understanding of AC induction motors, torque motors, servo systems, and motion control applications.

Additional Requirements

• Hands-on troubleshooting and commissioning experience.
• Ability to work directly with customers and service teams.
• Understanding of electrical control systems and industrial machinery.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent industry experience.
• 5+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 10%
• Position is on-site in Swedesboro, NJ

Successful candidates will participate in a structured training program covering the company's specialized manufacturing technologies and engineering processes. High-performing individuals will be considered for succession into the Engineering Manager role.

The company offers competitive salary, benefits, paid vacation, and an opportunity to work at a growing company. The company offers training in the very specific process technology of non-ferrous wire drawing, annealing, plating, stranding, etc. Some of the training can be provided by the parent company in Germany.