Controls Engineer

Apogee•Louisville, KY

20d

About The Position

The Controls Engineer designs, develops, commissions, maintains, and troubleshoots PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion systems, and other automation technologies. This role is critical as the organization transitions from manual or semi-automated operations to advanced automated and smart factory processes. The position collaborates with internal engineering teams, maintenance, project teams, consultants, and contractors to upgrade equipment, deploy new systems, and support continuous improvement efforts across both facilities. Schedule: M-F 8 hour days, standard 40-hour work week.

Requirements

2‑year technical degree in Engineering, Electronics, Automation Integration, Robotics, or related technical field and 2–4 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Programming experience with Allen‑Bradley.
HMI development experience (PanelView, Wonderware, or comparable platforms).
Knowledge of servo drives, VFDs, and motion control systems.
Industrial robot programming experience (ABB, FANUC, KUKA).
Experience integrating or troubleshooting machine vision and sensing devices.
Basic industrial networking knowledge (Ethernet/IP, device‑level networks).
Ability to learn and integrate new or advanced technologies (IIoT, AI/ML, smart‑factory tools, etc.).
Working knowledge of industrial instruments, tools, and process control equipment.
Basic project planning and project management skills.
Strong troubleshooting, problem‑solving, and root‑cause analysis abilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn specialized automation software.
Experience with FAT/SAT, control narratives, commissioning plans, and startup documentation.
CAD experience for electrical or control schematics (AutoCAD, EPLAN).
Ability to communicate in English, both verbal and written communication.
Ability to manage shifting priorities and workloads in a dynamic environment.
Able to anticipate project needs and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

Develop, modify, and maintain PLC, HMI, SCADA, and related automation system software.
Perform system startup, commissioning, testing, debugging, and field modifications.
Troubleshoot control systems, robotics (ABB, FANUC, KUKA), servo systems, VFDs, and industrial networking.
Design automation solutions for complex engineering challenges.
Lead or support contracted and internally developed control system design/build projects.
Integrate and support machine vision systems, sensing technologies, and industrial instrumentation.
Coordinate and support multiple simultaneous projects, ensuring timely execution.
Communicate project status, changes, and technical information to engineering, maintenance, operations, and leadership.
Assist in developing equipment specifications and participate in vendor evaluation.
Lead and support installation, commissioning, and validation of equipment and control systems.
Develop and maintain preventive maintenance programs.
Support environmental, operational, and compliance reporting through data collection and system insights.
Stay current with evolving industry technologies to support modernization initiatives.
Design, implement, and troubleshoot machine safety systems, including safety PLCs, light curtains, guarding, and safety‑rated devices.
Promote proactive safety practices and participate in safety trainings, initiatives, and committees.
Maintain accurate documentation of control logic, system configurations, design specifications, schematics, and process changes.
Communicate system updates through coaching, training, and knowledge‑sharing.
Lead or support Lean, 6S, and continuous improvement efforts to reduce variation and improve process efficiency.

Benefits

Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
Incentive Plans
401(k) with employer contribution and match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Wellness Program
Training and Career Progression