Controls Engineer

Smiths Group•Arden, NC

10d

About The Position

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, programming, commissioning, and supporting industrial control systems and control panels used in manufacturing, process, and automation environments. The role leads implementation of PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and industrial networking solutions using platforms such as Siemens, Emerson, ABB, and Allen-Bradley. The engineer works closely with customers and sales, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver reliable, safe, and compliant automation solutions. The position includes designing industrial control panels to applicable standards; creating and maintaining panel layouts, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials; selecting control and networking components; developing PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications; implementing process control strategies; and integrating automation systems with SCADA, MES, and third-party equipment. The engineer also performs factory and site acceptance testing, leads customer-site startup and commissioning, troubleshoots systems during installation and production startup, validates performance against specifications, and develops test procedures and commissioning documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline; an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.
At least 3 years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.
Hands-on programming and troubleshooting experience with multiple PLC platforms.
HMI/SCADA development experience.
CAD experience, such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
Experience troubleshooting electrical and automation systems.
Knowledge of electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures.

Nice To Haves

UL 508A control panel design experience.

Responsibilities

Design industrial control panels in accordance with UL 508A, UL 698A, NEC, and applicable customer standards.
Create and maintain panel layouts, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials using applicable design and business software.
Specify and select PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motor starters, safety relays, I/O devices, and industrial networking equipment.
Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs across Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Emerson, and ABB platforms.
Develop HMI and SCADA applications using Siemens, Rockwell, Emerson, and ABB platforms.
Implement process control strategies, including PID loops, sequencing, interlocks, alarming, and safety functions.
Promote safety, continuous improvement, and LEAN problem-solving practices.
Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, Profibus, and OPC UA.
Integrate PLCs with SCADA systems, MES systems, and third-party automation equipment.
Perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
Lead startup and commissioning activities at customer facilities.
Troubleshoot electrical and automation systems during installation and production startup.
Validate system performance against customer specifications and design requirements.
Develop test procedures and commissioning documentation.
Work with customers and sales, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver automation solutions.