Controls Engineer

Valmont Industries, Inc. • Valley, NE

4d • Remote

About The Position

The Controls Engineer designs, develops, programs, and supports industrial automation and control systems used in advanced manufacturing. The role supports capital projects and plant automation initiatives from concept through commissioning, under the guidance of senior engineers, and helps ensure automated equipment operates reliably, safely, and efficiently while developing technical expertise in PLCs, robotics, motion control, and industrial networking.

The position contributes to manufacturing technology roadmaps and strategic automation initiatives, including identifying technologies and opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, increase productivity, and support profitability. It also contributes to standardizing equipment, vendors, and technologies across the organization and aligning manufacturing technology plans with Global Operations strategy. The role requires up to 25% travel, sometimes 50%, including overnight stays; travel is primarily domestic, with some international travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technology field.
• 3–5 years of controls engineering experience, with demonstrated success in industrial automation projects.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming, such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens.
• Experience supporting HMI/SCADA systems.
• Understanding of industrial networks, motion control, robotics, and vision systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent electrical-design tools.
• Basic knowledge of safety standards, including ISO 13849, IEC 62061, and ANSI/RIA, and machine safeguarding practices.
• Exposure to Industry 4.0/IIoT platforms, including data collection, analytics, and predictive maintenance.
• Familiarity with structured programming such as Python, C#, or SQL for IT/OT integration and data solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently on high-visibility, high-capital projects with global impact.
• Experience in steel fabrication, welding, forming, cutting, and assembly.
• Background in heavy manufacturing, metals processing, or large capital equipment.
• Ability to travel as required, including overnight domestic and occasional international travel.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and support PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Participate in capital projects involving laser cutting, robotic welding, material handling, and automated fabrication systems.
• Develop control logic, I/O configurations, HMI screens, and supporting documentation according to engineering standards.
• Support system testing, FAT/SAT, commissioning, start-up, and validation activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ as required.
• Assist with electrical schematics, I/O lists, and controls documentation using AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent tools.
• Apply industrial safety standards and practices, including machine safeguarding, safety PLCs, interlocks, and risk assessments; support compliance with applicable standards under senior-engineer guidance.
• Program and troubleshoot motion-control systems, servos, and industrial networks.
• Support robotic systems, including basic programming, troubleshooting, and integration.
• Assist with vision systems for part presence, inspection, or guidance applications.
• Participate in basic Industry 4.0/IIoT initiatives, including machine connectivity and data collection.
• Troubleshoot automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
• Perform root-cause analysis of recurring issues and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with manufacturing and maintenance teams to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
• Contribute to continuous-improvement and standardization efforts across manufacturing sites.
• Collaborate with mechanical, process, and manufacturing engineers to deliver integrated automation solutions.
• Interface with equipment suppliers and system integrators during design, build, and commissioning.
• Learn and apply company controls standards, templates, and best practices; participate in knowledge sharing and mentoring as experience grows.
• Stay apprised of emerging technologies through trade shows, collaborations, periodicals, and other research.
• Identify and lead initiatives to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Partner with manufacturing plants to develop and evolve site technology roadmaps that deliver technical productivity and support profit-and-loss improvement.
• Ensure manufacturing process technology vision and roadmaps align with Global Operations strategy.
• Lead efforts to standardize equipment, vendors, and technologies across the organization.
• Develop strategic initiatives for using new technology and automation to transform processes across the company footprint.
• Meet or exceed established project performance goals and work independently or in groups.
• Travel up to 25%, sometimes 50%, including overnight stays and primarily domestic travel, with some international travel.
• Communicate effectively and build relationships with end users, peers, management, and third parties.

Benefits

• Healthcare, including medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, including maternity leave.
• Work Life Support.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year.
• Voluntary programs such as tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, and mortgage services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree