Controls Engineer

Position Overview

Reliance One, Inc. is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to support a high-volume, machine-intensive manufacturing facility in Tonawanda, NY. This role is part of a specialized engineering team responsible for deploying and supporting next-generation automation technologies, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), collaborative robots (Cobots), and advanced fleet management systems.

What You'll Be Doing

• Troubleshoot automated manufacturing equipment and resolve carry-over issues from previous shifts.
• Support maintenance and production teams during equipment breakdowns, automation faults, and production interruptions.
• Utilize Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs for troubleshooting, diagnostics, and controls support.
• Interpret PLC logic and controls programs to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Support Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and automation control systems.
• Troubleshoot Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), including navigation, routing, communication, and material delivery issues.
• Support AMR fleet management software to ensure reliable material movement throughout the facility.
• Assist with commissioning, startup, validation, and production launch of AMRs, Cobots, and automated material handling systems.
• Collaborate with production, logistics, maintenance, and materials teams to improve automation performance and uptime.
• Identify opportunities for additional robotic integration and process automation.
• Assist with capital equipment projects involving robotics, smart factory initiatives, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Create and maintain automation documentation, operating procedures, process flows, and project records.
• Document troubleshooting activities, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive equipment reliability and manufacturing efficiency through proactive engineering support.

Qualifications – What You Bring (Must Haves)

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment in a production environment.
• Strong troubleshooting experience with: Siemens PLCs, Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCs, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, controls drawings, and PLC logic.
• Experience supporting production and maintenance teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to work primarily on the manufacturing floor (80–90% of the workday).

Preferred Qualifications (Added Bonus)

• Experience with Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), including OTTO platforms.
• Experience with Bastian Automated Fork Trucks.
• Experience with Fanuc Robots and Collaborative Robots (Cobots).
• Experience with Cognex AI, Dalsa, or Matrox vision systems.
• Familiarity with Rockwell Global Common platforms.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies, automated material handling systems, and smart factory initiatives.
• Experience with capital equipment implementation and commissioning.

Schedule

Initially 1st Shift Opportunity to transition to 2nd or 3rd Shift after approximately one year based on business needs. Availability to support 2–3 weekend shifts per month is required. This is a highly hands-on role, with approximately 80–90% of the time spent on the manufacturing floor supporting production operations.

EEOC Statement

Reliance One, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.