Automation Controls Engineer

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA (onsite with one remote workday per week)

About the role

The Automation Controls Engineer develops autonomous control systems for Electric Rope Shovels, with responsibility for control algorithm development, system integration, simulation, testing, and field validation. The role requires a high degree of technical ownership and independent problem-solving. Successful candidates should be comfortable developing new concepts, testing them against real-world machine behavior, and refining designs based on test and field results.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and refine control algorithms for autonomous machine functions.
• Define technical requirements and specifications for autonomous control systems.
• Develop and use simulation and test environments to evaluate system performance before machine deployment.
• Integrate control software, sensors, and supporting hardware into machine systems.
• Plan and execute system testing, including laboratory, simulation, and on-machine validation.
• Collect and analyze machine data to identify performance issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Troubleshoot control system behavior and support root-cause investigation of field issues.
• Improve system performance, reliability, and operator experience through iterative development and validation.
• Collaborate with a small engineering team to move concepts from initial development through implementation and field validation.
• Evaluate and apply emerging technologies that may improve autonomous machine functionality.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with automation, autonomous systems, or automated vehicle technologies.
• Hands-on experience with the design, programming, integration, and validation of control systems.
• Proficiency with software development tools used for automation and control applications.
• Ability to analyze technical problems and develop practical engineering solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of kinematics, robotics, machine vision, sensors, and sensor integration.
• Experience with the installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and support of machine control systems or related technologies.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting machine and field test data.
• Experience with NI hardware, LabVIEW, Python, C/C++, and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience developing or validating control systems for heavy equipment, mobile machinery, robotics, or autonomous vehicles.

Benefits

• Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA, wellness programs, etc.
• 401k and/or employee savings programs
• Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays)
• Employee and family assistance programs
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance
• Employee learning and development programs