Controls Engineer

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, commissioning, and sustaining industrial automation systems, with a strong emphasis on SCADA and MES platforms, including Ignition and Kanoa MES. This role supports the organization's transition to data-driven, digitally connected manufacturing, enabling real-time visibility into operations through dashboards, system integration, and data infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs (Allen-Bradley primarily) with a focus on reliable operation and structured data integration
• Design, develop, and support HMI, SCADA, and MES interfaces for equipment control and operational visibility
• Build and sustain real-time dashboards, KPIs, and visualization tools for operations, maintenance, and leadership
• Develop and manage tag structures, naming conventions, and system architecture to ensure scalability and maintainability
• Integrate PLCs and field devices into SCADA/MES systems. Configure and maintain data historians, alarm systems, and event/downtime tracking systems
• Support MES functionality including production tracking, OEE, quality data capture, and traceability
• Develop and maintain SQL queries, scripts, and database connections for reporting and system performance
• Perform system startup, commissioning, testing, debugging, and field modifications with emphasis on data validation and visualization accuracy
• Troubleshoot issues related to controls systems, SCADA/MES platforms, data integrity, system performance, and user interfaces
• Troubleshoot robotics (ABB, FANUC, KUKA), servo systems, VFDs, and industrial communication networks
• Collaborate with IT/OT teams on network infrastructure, system architecture, and cybersecurity considerations
• Ensure that all supplier and IT driven firmware and software updates are implemented in a timely manner according to IT/OT policies and procedures
• Support installation, commissioning, and validation of control systems and digital platforms
• Maintain accurate documentation for control logic, SCADA/MES configurations, tag structures, and system architecture
• Develop and enforce standards for tag naming, dashboard design, and system scalability
• Train and support users on SCADA, MES tools, and dashboards to drive adoption and effectiveness
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven insights and system capabilities
• Ensure uptime, reliability, and long-term sustainment of automation and SCADA/MES systems

Requirements

• 2-year technical degree in Engineering, Electronics, Automation Integration, Robotics, or related technical field and 2–4 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Programming experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs
• HMI or SCADA development experience (Ignition, or similar platforms)
• Understanding of industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, device-level networks)
• Experience integrating field devices and control systems with data collection platforms
• Experience with servo drives, VFDs, and motion control systems
• Experience integrating or troubleshooting sensors, instrumentation, or vision systems
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and root cause analysis abilities
• Basic project planning and organization skills
• Working knowledge of industrial instruments, tools, and process control equipment
• Strategic application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to drive business outcomes, enhance decision-making, and improve operational efficiency
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new automation and software platforms
• Experience with commissioning, FAT/SAT, and system startup activities
• Experience developing and maintaining tag structures, naming standards, and system architecture
• Experience building dashboards, KPIs, or visualization tools for operations or leadership
• Familiarity with data historians, alarm management systems, and downtime tracking tools
• Experience supporting or improving OEE tracking, production reporting, or traceability systems
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field
• Experience with Ignition SCADA (Perspective, Vision, tag configuration, scripting)
• Experience with MES systems (Kanoa strongly preferred)
• Experience with SQL, databases, or data querying for reporting and system functionality
• Experience supporting data validation and integrity from PLC → SCADA → database → dashboards
• Experience with robot programming (ABB, FANUC, KUKA)
• Experience with CAD tools (AutoCAD)
• Exposure to Lean or Six Sigma methodologies and using data to drive improvements