Staff Controls Engineer

Compunnel Inc.; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 96,432 - 110,208; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology solutions provider in the City of Corning, NY, is seeking a Controls Staff Engineer to improve manufacturing processes and manage project scopes involving PLC-based automation. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in automation engineering, strong communication skills, and the ability to lead complex projects. This role offers competitive compensation on a contract basis and focuses on innovative engineering solutions in the manufacturing sector.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience with a proven track record of successfully implementing and integrating PLC systems into advanced manufacturing processes.
• Strong knowledge of control theory, systems, and automation.
• Hands‑on experience with hardware platforms and ladder logic programming.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands‑on engineering support while guiding and mentoring other engineers and technicians.
• Conduct training for plant engineers and technicians on new processes and equipment.
• Lead or participate in capital projects involving Controls, Robots, & vision systems.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation systems troubleshooting

Electrical systems engineering

Communication protocols

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

Project management

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Advanced degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related

Tools

Rockwell

Siemens

OMRON

High Level Language(s) (C#, VB, Java or C++)

Relational databases (Oracle, MS SQL, PostgreSQL)

Job description

Base pay range

$70.00/hr - $80.00/hr

Position Purpose

The Controls Staff Engineer serves as an electrical controls resource for manufacturing process improvement and capital expansion projects. Manage electrical and controls scope of assigned projects. Project focus will be implementation of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based automation in client's manufacturing plants and processes. This role leads the delivery of medium to large scale projects, supporting all phases from Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), Site Acceptance Test (SAT), to Plant Acceptance. The Controls Staff Engineer develops and maintains project-specific documentation on control systems, ensuring alignment with project requirements and standards. They are responsible for designing, developing, integrating, and troubleshooting robotic, PLC, and vision system programs for new automation equipment within the project scope.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science
• 7+ years of experience with a proven track record of successfully implementing and integrating PLC systems into advanced manufacturing processes
• Strong knowledge of control theory, systems, and automation
• Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI development, and network configuration
• Knowledge of control theory, control strategies and industry safety standards and regulations
• Critical thinker, able to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to a problem
• Fundamental understanding of PID loop tuning – Familiarity with the principles and practical application of Proportional-Integral-Derivative control, including the ability to recognize system behavior and make basic adjustments to optimize performance.
• Written and verbal communication skills – Able to clearly articulate complex controls engineering concepts to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring that challenges, implications, and proposed solutions are understood and actionable to move projects forward.
• Able to apply a systems engineering approach to designing, managing and troubleshooting complex systems
• Hands‑on experience with hardware platforms and ladder logic programming – Proficient in one or more industrial control systems such as Rockwell, Siemens, or OMRON, with the ability to develop, troubleshoot, and optimize ladder logic code.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols – Familiar with technologies including Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, Profinet, Modbus, and DeviceNet, with the ability to configure and diagnose communication between devices in a manufacturing environment.
• Controls and electrical support in manufacturing operations – Demonstrated ability to provide technical support for automation systems, troubleshoot electrical issues, and maintain uptime in a production setting.
• Understanding of equipment engineering and process support – Capable of supporting equipment design, integration, and debugging activities, with a focus on improving process reliability and efficiency.
• Advanced degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related
• Software Controls: High Level Language(s) (C#, VB, Java or C++)
• Knowledge of relational database fundamentals (Oracle, MS SQL, PostgreSQL)
• Familiarity with machine vision acquisition and analysis

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical leader and individual contributor – Provide hands‑on engineering support while guiding and mentoring other engineers and technicians. Set clear technical direction, ensure alignment with corporate standards, and foster a collaborative environment that drives project success.
• Adhere to structured Software Development practices to ensure efficient system completion and project delivery
• Conduct training for plant engineers and technicians on new processes, equipment, or control systems as part of the project handover
• Provide technical support during non‑standard hours as necessary to support project implementation and transition
• Lead or participate in capital projects involving Controls, Robots, & vision systems, ensuring they meet project specifications and standards.
• Focus on developing and supporting new automation equipment for the projects, ensuring the equipment meets industry standards and utilizes leading‑edge technology for competitive advantage
• Occasionally act in the role of a controls technician to provide project‑specific support to other manufacturing systems and equipment.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

• Engineering, Manufacturing, and Project Management

Industries

Manufacturing, Robotics Engineering, and Engineering Services