Controls Specialist

Elevant Recruiting•Reno, NV

13h•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves designing, developing, and implementing machine control systems for high-duty-cycle industrial automation equipment used in metal forming and manufacturing. Key responsibilities include programming, testing, and troubleshooting PLC, motion control, and HMI systems, as well as creating and maintaining electrical designs, control schematics, and automation software. The engineer will lead machine configuration, commissioning, and startup activities, collaborating with mechanical, manufacturing, and process engineers to ensure seamless system integration. The position also requires providing hands-on troubleshooting support for production equipment, optimizing system performance, maintaining program documentation, and supporting compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and business management systems. Participation in capital projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and planned shutdowns, including occasional weekends or holidays, is also expected. The role contributes to developing technical specifications for new equipment and participating in team initiatives and audits.

Requirements

Strong experience designing and supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency with Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, including: TIA Portal, Studio 500 / 5000, WinCC, FactoryTalk View.
Experience with motion control systems (Siemens and Allen-Bradley).
Ability to develop and interpret electrical schematics using AutoCAD or similar tools.
Hands-on familiarity with industrial automation components: Servo motors, sensors, actuators, solenoids, pneumatics, Gearboxes, ball screws, regulators, and safety devices.
Working knowledge of industrial electrical and machine safety standards, including: UL, NEC, NFPA 79, IEC 60204-1, ISO 13849-1, IEC 62061, CE requirements.
Familiarity with automation programming methodologies such as PackML, Grafcet (SFC), or equivalent.
Strong troubleshooting, multitasking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Commitment to safe work practices and environmental compliance.
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial manufacturing automation or controls engineering.
Must be eligible to comply with ITAR and EAR residency requirements due to the nature of the products manufactured.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience with SCADA systems, historians (OSI PI), and SQL Server.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement machine control systems for high-duty-cycle industrial automation equipment used in metal forming and manufacturing.
Program, test, and troubleshoot PLC, motion control, and HMI systems at the machine level.
Create and maintain electrical designs, control schematics, PLC programs, and related automation software.
Lead machine configuration, commissioning, and startup activities for new and upgraded equipment.
Collaborate with mechanical, manufacturing, and process engineers to ensure seamless system integration and functionality.
Provide hands-on troubleshooting support for production equipment including presses, furnaces, manipulators, cranes, and CNC machines.
Improve system performance and reduce downtime through control system optimization and standardization.
Maintain program backups, revision history, and documentation for control systems and electrical schematics.
Support compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and business management systems.
Participate in capital projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and planned shutdowns (occasional weekends or holidays).
Develop and maintain technical specifications for new automation and manufacturing equipment.
Participate in team initiatives, audits, and continuous improvement activities as required.