Senior Controls Engineer, PLC/Beckhoff

E-Space • Arlington, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

E-Space is hiring a Senior Controls Engineer to architect, program, and deploy Beckhoff-based control systems for robotic and precision-assembly manufacturing lines. The role combines software design with hands-on hardware integration to improve reliability and throughput, and serves as the dedicated controls owner for the manufacturing team. The position is based at the Arlington, Texas facility and reports to the Manufacturing Engineering leadership team.

The engineer will develop and maintain automation controls using Beckhoff PLCs and TwinCAT 3; configure EtherCAT, motion axes, and I/O; integrate robots, sensors, and production data systems; and support commissioning, debugging, safety, and production-cell handover. This is a full-time, exempt position. E-Space cannot currently provide employment sponsorship for candidates who lack work authorization for the role's location.

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on controls engineering in production automation.
• Deep Beckhoff / TwinCAT 3 expertise, including Structured Text, FBD, EtherCAT, and motion control.
• Experience integrating PLCs with industrial robots (ABB, Fanuc, or similar).
• Strong grasp of servo drives, electrical schematics, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience implementing machine safety standards, including interlocks, E-stops, and safety PLCs.
• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls, or equivalent.
• Must hold work authorization for the role's location; E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience integrating both ABB and Fanuc robots.
• Aerospace, semiconductor, or satellite manufacturing background.
• Experience with vision systems, web handling, or vacuum-based equipment.
• MES / ERP integration experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain automation controls using Beckhoff PLCs (CX / IPC series) and TwinCAT 3.
• Write structured, modular code in Structured Text (ST) and Function Block Diagram (FBD).
• Configure EtherCAT topologies, motion axes, and I/O mapping for deterministic real-time control.
• Implement state machines, PID loops, and coordinated motion for robotics, conveyors, and process equipment.
• Integrate Beckhoff systems with ABB and Fanuc robots and external sensors over TCP/IP, OPC-UA, and Modbus-TCP.
• Lead on-site commissioning, real-time debugging, trace analysis, and handover of production cells.
• Implement and maintain machine safety logic, interlocks, and alarms.
• Develop and maintain code libraries, templates, and configuration-management standards.
• Support MES and ERP data connectivity for traceability and production analytics.

Benefits

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Physical, emotional, and financial well-being support for team members and their families.
• Health and wellness care options.
• Financial solutions for the future.
• Optional legal services (US only).
• Paid holidays.
• Paid time off.
• Competitive salaries.
• Continuous learning and development.

What This Job Offers

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