Senior Controls Engineer

gpac; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac in Atlanta seeks an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and improvement of automated and robotic control systems in manufacturing. The role focuses on electrical controls design, PLC programming, HMI development, robotics, machine vision, and industrial automation.

The candidate will design and troubleshoot PLCs across Beckhoff, AB, Siemens, and Mitsubishi, develop HMI applications, support robotics integration, and ensure safety and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of controls engineering or industrial automation experience.
• Strong experience with PLC programming and controls system design.
• Experience with multiple PLC platforms such as Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting HMI systems.
• Knowledge of robotics and automated system integration.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link, Modbus).
• Experience with machine vision systems (Keyence, Cognex).
• Understanding of machine safety and regulatory compliance.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting and ability to read schematics and engineering drawings.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and integrate electrical control systems for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Develop and troubleshoot PLC programs on Beckhoff, AB, Siemens, and Mitsubishi platforms.
• Design and develop HMI applications for automated equipment and production systems.
• Support robotic system integration and automated machinery development.
• Analyze system requirements to ensure equipment meets production needs.
• Integrate and troubleshoot machine vision inspection systems (Keyence, Cognex).
• Design and troubleshoot industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link, Modbus).
• Develop and maintain machine safety and control systems per standards.
• Contribute to new product development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls-related issues during commissioning and production.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical design

HMI development

Robotics

Machine vision

Industrial automation

Schematics reading

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Mitsubishi PLC

EtherNet/IP

EtherCAT

IO-Link

Modbus

Keyence

Cognex

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to join a growing manufacturing and automation team. This position will play a key role in the design, development, integration, and improvement of automated and robotic systems.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical controls design, PLC programming, HMI development, robotics, machine vision, and industrial automation. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced controls professional who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges and working closely with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and integrate electrical control systems for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Develop and troubleshoot PLC programs using platforms such as Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Mitsubishi.
• Design and develop HMI applications for automated equipment and production systems.
• Support robotic system integration and automated machinery development.
• Develop and analyze system requirements to ensure equipment meets customer and production needs.
• Integrate and troubleshoot machine vision inspection systems, including Keyence and Cognex.
• Design and troubleshoot industrial communication networks and fieldbus architectures, including EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link, and Modbus.
• Develop and maintain machine safety and control systems in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Participate in new product development, equipment design, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls-related issues during equipment commissioning, testing, and production.
• Work closely with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, production, and other departments to develop and implement solutions.
• Provide technical support during equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Lead or contribute to engineering projects from initial concept through implementation.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, control documentation, programming standards, and engineering documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, and overall system performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of controls engineering or industrial automation experience.
• Strong experience with PLC programming and controls system design.
• Experience with multiple PLC platforms, including Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting HMI systems.
• Knowledge of robotics and automated system integration.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link, and Modbus.
• Experience with machine vision systems, preferably Keyence and/or Cognex.
• Understanding of machine safety systems and regulatory compliance.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting and controls design skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and engineering drawings.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with new product development.
• Experience with continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of SolidWorks and mechanical/electrical design.
• Mechanical fabrication experience or strong understanding of mechanical systems.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, machinery, automation, or robotic integration environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.