Controls Engineer

Job Description
Title: Controls Engineer
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Comp: Up to $100,000
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Our client is seeking immediate assistance in identifying a candidate for a direct hire Controls Engineer position.
Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and implement automated control systems for machine builders, manufacturers, and OEM customers
• Develop PLC programs and HMI applications for new equipment, machine retrofits, and automation upgrades
• Support projects from initial scope discussions through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer support
• Work alongside Electrical Designers, Project Managers, Applications Engineers, and customers to define project requirements
• Program and troubleshoot PLC systems using platforms such as Omron, Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi, and Siemens
• Create control solutions including PLC logic, HMI screens, motion control, servo systems, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation, and vision systems
• Perform system integration, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning to ensure reliable operation
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) prior to customer installation
• Travel to customer sites for installations, troubleshooting, startup support, and training
• Assist customers with controls issues, including PLC upgrades, software changes, and machine improvements
• Provide technical support and training to customer maintenance teams and operators
• Partner with the Applications team, who supports BOM development, technical requests, and customer issue resolution
• Manage individual projects from beginning to end unless supporting larger, more complex automation initiatives

Project Examples:

• Upgrade outdated PLC hardware and software on existing production equipment
• Support automotive customers during scheduled shutdowns to complete controls upgrades
• Troubleshoot and modify PLC programs for customers who need additional training or support
• Integrate controls systems for new machinery including panels, HMIs, robots, and automation equipment

Required Skills (Must Have):

• 3-5+ years of Controls Engineering experience
• Strong PLC programming experience with platforms such as Omron, Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi, or Siemens
• Experience developing PLC programs and HMI applications from the ground up (not only modifying templates)
• Experience troubleshooting automation systems and diagnosing controls issues
• Exposure to motion control, servo systems, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation, and vision systems
• Experience with customer-facing projects and technical communication
• Experience with commissioning, startup support, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to independently research, troubleshoot, and find solutions
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within project teams

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have):

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field
• Associate's degree combined with strong controls experience will be considered
• Machine builder, automation integrator, or systems integration experience
• Experience supporting new machine installations and automation projects
• Robotics experience (Fanuc preferred; Kawasaki exposure is a plus)
• Experience with industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, Modbus, or similar
• Electrical panel design or panel building experience
• Project engineering experience and understanding of full project lifecycles

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