Controls Engineer

About the role

This role focuses on designing, programming, and commissioning automated control systems within a high-volume automotive glass manufacturing facility. The Controls Engineer will work extensively with PLCs, robotics, motion control, and HMI systems to support new projects, integrate legacy equipment, and ensure reliable and safe operation of production lines.

Responsibilities

• Create new control systems to support production processes, robotics, and associated equipment.
• Integrate and commission new and legacy equipment, ensuring seamless operation within existing systems.
• Program and design automated equipment, including robotics, furnaces, ovens, presses, cutting lines, conveyors, and vision systems.
• Read, interpret, and create electrical diagrams and schematics to support system design and troubleshooting.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, motion control systems, and related automation components to minimize downtime.
• Configure and support motion control systems, including AC and DC drives.
• Work in compliance with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and plant procedures.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and other engineering teams to improve system reliability and performance.
• Communicate effectively with other shifts to ensure continuity of operations and clear handoffs.
• Document control system changes, configurations, and design updates to maintain accurate records.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLCs, including PLC-5, RSLogix 500, and Studio 5000.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell motion control systems, including AC and DC drives.
• Experience with Rockwell HMI platforms, specifically FactoryTalk View.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and automation controls engineering.
• Ability to design and program automated equipment and integrated control systems.
• Proficiency in reading and creating electrical diagrams and schematics.
• Experience with HMI development and integration with PLCs.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for PLCs, HMIs, motion control, and automation equipment.
• Able to work safely and consistently follow all safety rules and regulations.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and other shifts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is preferred.
• Experience with robotics (such as ABB and Fanuc) and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with vision systems such as Keyence or Cognex.
• Experience working with furnaces, ovens, presses, cutting lines, and conveyor systems in an industrial environment.
• Experience in an automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• AutoCAD experience for electrical design and documentation.
• AutoCAD Electrical experience is a strong plus.
• Experience with motion control systems, including AC and DC drives.
• Experience with vision systems such as Keyence or Cognex.
• Experience with furnaces, ovens, presses, cutting lines, and conveyor systems in an industrial environment.
• Experience in an automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments.

Work Environment

The role is based in a factory environment focused on automotive glass manufacturing that utilizes robotics, furnaces, ovens, presses, cutting lines, conveyors, and vision systems. The facility operates multiple automated lines and extensive PLC-based control systems. The Controls Engineer will work primarily on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, with negotiable but consistent hours. Occasional weekend work may be required to support projects, commissioning, or urgent production needs. The position is expected to be on-site with no travel, and overtime is minimal. You will collaborate closely with other shifts, including second shift, to ensure smooth handoffs and continuous operations. The environment is typical of industrial manufacturing, with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, and production processes, and requires adherence to all safety procedures and appropriate industrial attire.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.