Automation Controls Specialist
About The Position
The Automation Controls Specialist designs, programs, implements, and improves PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and electrical control systems supporting manufacturing operations. The role collaborates with engineering, maintenance, operations, research, suppliers, and integrators to deliver safe, high-quality automation solutions, improve processes, and support equipment reliability. The specialist provides technical support for production and R&D operations, equipment startups and upgrades, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement projects. The position is onsite in Newton, North Carolina, reports to the Engineering Manager, and has no travel. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends or startups as required. The role primarily operates in a standard business office, with occasional work in warehouse, laboratory, and production areas. Those areas may involve moderate noise, fumes, dust, chemicals, temperature variations, and allergens. Work may require movement between facility areas to support manufacturing, testing, troubleshooting, and projects.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution; equivalent combinations of education, technical training, certifications, and directly related experience may be considered.
- Professional experience applying engineering principles to PLC programming, electrical control system design, industrial automation architecture, system integration, commissioning, and technical project leadership in a manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Design electrical control systems, PLC programs, and automation solutions for safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations.
- Develop and integrate machine controls, HMIs, motion-control systems, and manufacturing equipment to improve performance and productivity.
- Analyze process and equipment data, identify root causes of operational issues, and implement control-system improvements.
- Collaborate with equipment suppliers, integrators, and internal stakeholders to establish technical requirements, validate performance, and execute projects.
- Develop and maintain instrumentation standards, specifications, and control strategies.
- Troubleshoot electrical, instrumentation, and control systems and implement corrective actions.
- Manage automation program backups, version control, and system optimization.
- Provide automation and controls support for equipment startups, upgrades, and continuous improvement across production and R&D operations.
- Develop preventive maintenance strategies and support troubleshooting to improve equipment reliability and performance.
- Partner with maintenance and production teams to diagnose complex electrical and controls issues and ensure safe, effective operation.
- Lead controls-related project execution by defining technical requirements, coordinating contractors and resources, and verifying installations and system performance.
- Create and maintain electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation.
- Lead automation and controls projects by defining scope, requirements, schedules, budgets, and technical solutions.
- Train and support maintenance and technical teams and manage electrical, instrumentation, and controls components to ensure system reliability.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- 401(k) with matching
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
