Senior Controls Engineer

Bartech Staffing; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Impellam Group seeks an experienced Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission a custom automation system for a multi-line project. You will develop PLC/HMI software, configure equipment and robots, and create manuals and documentation. Travel for commissioning and startup is expected, with emphasis on safety and quality.

You will review specifications, support installation, and provide training to end users while maintaining uptime and performance across stations and modules.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of controls engineering, automation, or machine-building experience.
• Experience with custom automation equipment design and development.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop controls software using PLC and HMI platforms.
• Program and configure automation equipment, robots, and control systems according to customer requirements.
• Review and interpret customer specifications to ensure equipment functionality meets project requirements.
• Create operation manuals and technical documentation for equipment setup and functionality.
• Support equipment startup, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Perform troubleshooting, debugging, and optimization of automation systems.
• Conduct preventative maintenance to maximize uptime and performance.
• Review designs and engineering details for proper functionality and quality.
• Provide timely and accurate service and project documentation.
• Deliver technical support and training to customers and end users.
• Maintain industry-leading quality standards for products and services.
• Follow all safety policies and safe work practices.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Beckhoff PLC experience

Rockwell PLC experience

Structured Text

C# programming

Tools

Cognex Vision Systems

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer to support the development and commissioning of a custom automation system for the MiniMed Project. The project consists of three production lines, each containing three large automation modules. Each module includes 6 to 11 stations and operates independently through a dedicated controller.

Key Responsibilities

Design and develop controls software using PLC and HMI platforms.

Program and configure automation equipment, robots, and control systems according to customer requirements.

Review and interpret customer specifications to ensure equipment functionality meets project requirements.

Create operation manuals and technical documentation for equipment setup and functionality.

Support equipment startup, commissioning, and validation activities.

Perform troubleshooting, debugging, and optimization of automation systems.

Conduct preventative maintenance activities to maximize equipment uptime and performance.

Review designs and engineering details for proper functionality and quality.

Provide timely and accurate service and project documentation.

Deliver technical support and training to customers and end users.

Maintain industry-leading quality standards for products and services.

Follow all safety policies and safe work practices.

Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Experience
• 5 to 10 years of controls engineering, automation, or machine-building experience.
• Relevant industry experience is preferred over specific educational requirements.
• Experience in custom automation equipment design and development.

Technical Skills

• Strong experience with PLC and HMI programming.
• Beckhoff PLC experience strongly preferred.
• Candidates without Beckhoff experience should possess:
• Rockwell PLC experience
• Structured Text programming
• C# programming experience

Knowledge of:

• Electrical circuits
• Electrical panel design
• Pneumatic systems
• Hydraulic systems
• PLCs and HMIs
• Robot programming
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Servo motion control applications
• Industrial communication networks including:
• DeviceNet (DNET)
• Ethernet/IP (ENET)
• Profibus

Professional Skills

• Strong troubleshooting and debugging abilities.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under deadlines while maintaining safety and equipment integrity.
• Strong customer-facing communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Cognex Vision Systems.
• Previous experience supporting large-scale automation installations and commissioning activities.

Travel & Work Requirements

Project Location
Installation and commissioning activities will take place in Baja, Mexico.
Schedule
Design Phase: 40-50 hours per week
Commissioning Phase: 50-60 hours per week
Project Duration: 16-18 weeks from design through commissioning
Travel Requirements
Onsite rotations of 6-8 weeks at a time in Mexico.
Must be able to work onsite 5 days per week during project activities.
Valid U.S. Passport required prior to travel.
Travel is expected throughout the project lifecycle and should be planned well in advance.
Project team size may reach 24 personnel onsite during peak activities.

Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions.

If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting [e-mail] or fill out this form to request accommodations.