Senior Controls Engineer - Robotics & Automation

Wegner CPAs Client Recruiting Services; Verona (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Verona, Wisconsin-based automation company is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to own robot and PLC programming for custom automation equipment. You will program FANUC robots, troubleshoot PLCs in Siemens TIA Portal, and collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure controls integration.

Travel to customer sites and FATs are expected as projects grow. This role offers hands-on ownership from concept to commissioning, with opportunities to influence standards and mentor junior

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience programming robots and PLCs in custom machinery, automation, or industrial systems.
• Hands-on FANUC robot programming experience.
• Siemens PLC programming experience preferred; Allen-Bradley experience is also valuable.
• Experience commissioning equipment at customer facilities and troubleshooting until the machine is running successfully.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot electrical systems using a meter.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10–30%, depending on project demands.

Responsibilities

• Program FANUC robots using the teach pendant.
• Develop, troubleshoot, and debug PLC programs, primarily using Siemens TIA Portal.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers during the design process to ensure machines are designed for effective controls integration.
• Partner with the software engineer responsible for HMI and machine data, owning the robot and PLC side of the integration.
• Power up, debug, test, and commission machines on the shop floor.
• Test and validate machine safety systems.
• Lead factory acceptance testing (FAT) with customers.
• Travel to customer facilities to install and commission equipment and train operators.
• Lead controls efforts on projects and manage smaller projects from start to finish.
• Establish and maintain controls programming standards.
• Mentor and train additional robot programmers as the team continues to grow.

Skills

Robot & PLC programming

FANUC robot programming

Siemens PLC programming

Allen-Bradley PLC programming

Electrical schematics

Travel willingness 10–30%

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Robotics/Mechatronics or related

Tools

FANUC robots

Siemens TIA Portal

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI integration tools

Job description

Verona, Wisconsin-based automation company is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to own robot and PLC programming for custom automation equipment. You will program FANUC robots, troubleshoot PLCs in Siemens TIA Portal, and collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure controls integration.

Travel to customer sites and FATs are expected as projects grow. This role offers hands-on ownership from concept to commissioning, with opportunities to influence standards and mentor junior