Process Controls Engineer -VAD

Lightera • Norcross, GA

15d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated, self-starting Controls Engineer to work within small multidisciplinary teams supporting optical fiber manufacturing operations. This role focuses on improving and optimizing existing manufacturing equipment and processes to enhance product quality, reduce manufacturing costs, and increase production output, while also contributing to new equipment development initiatives. The position is primarily within the VAD Engineering organization, but cross-functional and inter-departmental assignments are common.

Requirements

• B.S. Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics engineering, or Similar.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and troubleshoot control system software, including PLCs, motion control systems, safety systems, and higher-level programming languages.
• Proficiency in at least one high-level programming language, such as C# or C++.
• Strong foundation in electrical engineering principles and hands-on experience with test and measurement equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, function generators, and power supplies.
• Knowledge of electrical system design principles, including control panel design, component selection and specification, and electrical schematic development.
• Excellent analytical, experimental, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex controls and instrumentation challenges.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to integrate field devices for flow, motion, and temperature control, as well as associated safety systems, into complete machine control solutions.
• Knowledge of and experience with materials processing and manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with AC and DC motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), SCR power controllers, and other industrial electrical systems.
• Ability to develop control solutions utilizing both classical and advanced control theory to meet equipment performance and process requirements.
• Strong background in electrical control systems, PLCs, industrial communications, and microcontroller-based systems.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Yaskawa, and Siemens automation platforms.
• Experience with data acquisition, process monitoring, and industrial network communications is a plus.
• Recent graduates with a proven record of academic achievement, technical aptitude, and a strong desire to learn and contribute are encouraged to apply.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability, capable of driving projects and initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently while effectively balancing multiple priorities and meeting project deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate, and reliable results.
• Well-organized with strong planning, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, enabling effective engagement with engineers, technicians, operators, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
• Adaptable and eager to learn, with the ability to quickly acquire and apply new technical knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement control system solutions for manufacturing equipment using established electrical and controls engineering principles to support equipment upgrades, process improvements, and new equipment development initiatives.
• Design, build, test, and commission control system solutions for manufacturing equipment.
• Specify, integrate, test, and validate controls hardware and software to ensure reliable, safe, and effective equipment operation.
• Collaborate with equipment designers, process engineers, and cross-functional teams to deliver manufacturing solutions that achieve targeted performance, quality, cost, and production objectives.
• Work independently and within multidisciplinary teams to improve manufacturing equipment reliability, performance, and capability, while supporting the advancement of manufacturing technologies and processes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level