Controls Engineer
Vulcan Elements · Benson, NC · 4 wk ago
On-siteEngineeringFull-time
Responsibilities
- PLC Programming & Commissioning: Execute hands-on programming, debugging, and commissioning of Siemens and AllenBradley/Rockwell PLCs and HMIs for new and existing automation equipment.
- Advanced Automation & System Integration: Drive the integration and commissioning of robotics, conveyors, and motion control systems - including servos and VFDs - to enable seamless material flow and high reliability production operations.
- SCADA/MES Connectivity: Configure and maintain communications between PLCs/HMIs and SCADA/Batch systems. Support tag mapping, alarming, and data acquisition to the site SCADA platform as required.
- Vendor Technical Support & FATs: Review vendor electrical schematics, controls architectures, and PLC/HMI logic. Participate in and support Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) to ensure full compliance with functional and safety requirements.
- Troubleshooting & Technical Escalation: Serve as the first-line, hands-on responder for diagnosing complex automation issues involving networks, motion systems, instrumentation, and industrial communication protocols.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Masters degree in electrical engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field with 3+ years of direct industrial automation and controls engineering experience.
- Strong hands on experience programming and commissioning Siemens and AllenBradley/Rockwell PLCs and HMIs.
- Deep understanding of servos, VFDs, highspeed conveyors, robotic cells, and automated material handling systems.
- Proficiency with Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, OPCUA, and similar industrial communication standards.
- Analog loop fundamentals, gas analyzer integration (O₂, pressure, flow), loop tuning, and the literacy to read and validate safety-rated circuits and safety PLC.
- Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.
Preferred Skills
- Working experience with multiaxis robotic systems and machine vision platforms such as Cognex or Keyence.
- AGV experience is a strong plus.
- Experience in heavy industrial, greenfield, chemical, or metallurgical manufacturing environments.
- Experience developing SCADA applications in Ignition, Wonderware, or similar platforms.
- Powder or bulk-solids handling controls (pneumatic conveying, gravimetric dosing, milling), hazardous-atmosphere or reactive-material environments (combustible dust, inert-gas blanketing, hydrogen service), or furnace/vacuum/thermal process controls.
- Familiarity with Python, C++, or other high level languages for automation or data analytics.
- Experience in regulated industries such as Defense, Aerospace, or Automotive.