Senior Controls Engineer

Job Description

Controls Engineer

Position Summary

This role is based in the Arlington Heights, IL area and requires regular onsite presence. Candidates must be able to commute consistently.
The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, programming, and maintaining control systems for manufacturing processes and equipment. This position works closely with project managers, electrical engineers, and automation teams to ensure effective system integration, compliance, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically strong in PLC/HMI programming, and able to manage multiple projects through various stages of development.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Programming

Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs
Develop and integrate automation and motion control systems
Work with industry-standard platforms (e.g., Rockwell / Allen-Bradley tools such as Studio5000, RSLogix)
Utilize motion control technologies (e.g., Kinetix, Festo, IAI or similar)

Design & Engineering

Design electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
Create Bills of Materials (BOMs)
Design and program safety circuits (preferred)
Ensure designs meet applicable standards (e.g., UL)
Interpret CAD drawings, specifications, and operational requirements

Troubleshooting & Commissioning

Troubleshoot electrical systems, wiring, and integrated controls
Debug automation systems and perform final testing
Support startup, commissioning, and field service activities (5-15% travel)
Work with industrial voltage systems (24 VDC, 120/240/480 VAC)

Collaboration & Project Execution

Manage multiple projects across various build phases
Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure smooth execution
Train maintenance personnel on system operation and functionality
Execute projects from concept through completion with minimal supervision

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field (preferred)
5+ years of experience in automation and controls engineering
Strong PLC and HMI programming experience
Experience working with automation equipment and electrical troubleshooting
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Detail-oriented with strong analytical ability

Preferred Skills

Machine vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence, iRVision)
Industrial robotics (e.g., Fanuc)
Safety circuit design and programming
Electrical schematic design experience

Physical & Work Environment

Primarily seated work with occasional standing, walking, and climbing
Frequent use of hands and reaching
Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs
Requires close, distance, and color vision
Work environment typically includes moderate noise levels and industrial settings

Desired Skills and Experience

Controls Engineer
Position Summary
This role is based in the Arlington Heights, IL area and requires regular onsite presence. Candidates must be able to commute consistently.
The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, programming, and maintaining control systems for manufacturing processes and equipment. This position works closely with project managers, electrical engineers, and automation teams to ensure effective system integration, compliance, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically strong in PLC/HMI programming, and able to manage multiple projects through various stages of development.

Key Responsibilities
Automation & Programming

Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs
Develop and integrate automation and motion control systems
Work with industry-standard platforms (e.g., Rockwell / Allen-Bradley tools such as Studio5000, RSLogix)
Utilize motion control technologies (e.g., Kinetix, Festo, IAI or similar)

Design & Engineering

Design electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
Create Bills of Materials (BOMs)
Design and program safety circuits (preferred)
Ensure designs meet applicable standards (e.g., UL)
Interpret CAD drawings, specifications, and operational requirements

Troubleshooting & Commissioning

Troubleshoot electrical systems, wiring, and integrated controls
Debug automation systems and perform final testing
Support startup, commissioning, and field service activities (5-15% travel)
Work with industrial voltage systems (24 VDC, 120/240/480 VAC)

Collaboration & Project Execution

Manage multiple projects across various build phases
Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure smooth execution
Train maintenance personnel on system operation and functionality
Execute projects from concept through completion with minimal supervision

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field (preferred)
5+ years of experience in automation and controls engineering
Strong PLC and HMI programming experience
Experience working with automation equipment and electrical troubleshooting
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Detail-oriented with strong analytical ability

Preferred Skills

Machine vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence, iRVision)
Industrial robotics (e.g., Fanuc)
Safety circuit design and programming
Electrical schematic design experience

Physical & Work Environment

Primarily seated work with occasional standing, walking, and climbing
Frequent use of hands and reaching
Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs
Requires close, distance, and color vision
Work environment typically includes moderate noise levels and industrial settings