Controls Engineer

About the role

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and support of automation and control systems across a highly automated manufacturing facility. This role leads controls integration efforts for processing and packaging while ensuring operational reliability, system performance, and continuous improvement. This position is critical to maintaining the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a high-speed manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial control systems.
• Support automation integration across processing, packaging, and conveying systems.
• Configure and support VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and process controls.
• Integrate OEM equipment into plant-wide automation systems.
• Drive standardization of controls platforms, programming structures, and documentation.
• Provide technical support during equipment downtime and production issues.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, communication, and automation failures.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for recurring issues.
• Lead controls-related aspects of capital projects from concept through commissioning.
• Cook up with OEMs, system integrators, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Support FAT/SAT execution and system validation.
• Ensure proper documentation, backups, and change management processes.
• Assist with project planning, budgeting, and timelines.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements.
• Support Integrated Work Systems (IWS) and operational excellence initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, electrical, and industrial automation standards.
• Promote safe work practices, including proper lockout/tagout procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 5+ years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with industrial automation platforms (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Wonderware, FactoryTalk).
• Knowledge of HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking.
• Experience with VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and panel designs.
• Experience supporting high-speed automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and project coordination skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in food, beverage or consumer packaged goods manufacturing.
• Experience with automated processing and packaging systems.
• Knowledge of batch systems and process automation.
• Experience with MES, OEE, and manufacturing data systems.
• Knowledge of OSHA and machine safety standards.

Skills

• Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with industrial automation platforms (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Wonderware, FactoryTalk).
• Knowledge of HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking.
• Experience with VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and panel designs.
• Experience supporting high-speed automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and project coordination skills.

Benefits

Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

Pay

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Schedule

This role is full-time and works Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work required to meet deadlines and support operations.

Contact Information

To apply for this job, please visit our website and follow the application instructions. For additional information about Everforth Apex, please contact us at [email protected] or call 804-523-8228.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Everforth Apex is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.