Controls Automation Improvement Engineer

SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated Entry-Level Controls Engineer to join our team and contribute to the optimization of manufacturing processes. In this role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to support planned and unplanned jobs, equipment reliability initiatives, and continuous improvement projects. This position provides a unique opportunity for a recent graduate looking to build a solid foundation in automation, robotics, and process optimization while also getting hands-on with mechanical and electrical installations on the shop floor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Assist with defining the scope, schedule, and execution of various projects (capital, process, efficiency) under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Participate in identifying opportunities for automation and process innovation to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Partner with plant personnel to identify and troubleshoot production bottlenecks.
• Help document and track problem-solving activities, cost-reduction initiatives, and performance improvement measures.
• Contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of robotic control systems, particularly for material removal and similar automated processes.
• Gain exposure to troubleshooting and modifying existing programs (ladder logic/structured text) to address real-time production issues.
• Work with a cross-functional team to uncover root causes of deficiencies and propose viable solutions to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to generate and implement ideas for safety improvements, waste reduction, and process optimization.
• Continuously learn and stay current on electrical, controls, and automation engineering best practices.
• Engage in research to explore new "state-of-the-art" technologies that could be introduced to the manufacturing floor.
• Assist in gathering data, writing reports, and preparing project-related documentation (engineering specifications, work orders, cost estimates, etc.).
• Support project planning activities, including scheduling, coordinating equipment installations, and working with contractors or internal resources.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card Holder), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing principles through coursework, internships, or co-ops.
• Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, including hydraulic, pneumatic, and control systems.
• Familiarity with Rockwell Automation control systems is a plus.
• Experience with industrial robots (e.g., Fanuc) and SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition) is beneficial but not required.
• Basic programming skills in VB.Net, Python, or SQL are a bonus.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or a related Engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• Academic or project experience in controls engineering, automation, or robotics (e.g., senior design project) is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with PLC programming, robotics, or automation software is a plus.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD or other design software is preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and interpret basic operating instructions and procedure manuals.
• Capable of writing clear, concise reports and basic correspondence.
• Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Fundamental proficiency in algebra, statistics, geometry, and basic arithmetic.
• Willingness to apply these skills in practical engineering and troubleshooting scenarios.

REASONING ABILITY

• Capable of analyzing technical problems in a structured environment.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability when encountering non-standard or unfamiliar situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

General knowledge of scanning documents.

SUPERVISION REQUIRED

• Works under close supervision for new or more complex tasks, with guidance and mentorship provided by senior engineering staff.
• Demonstrates initiative in routine tasks and seeks input when facing unfamiliar challenges.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Pay

$80,000 - $95,000/ year. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.