Process Industrialization Controls Engineer

About the Role

The Controls Engineer plays a key role in developing and supporting the automation systems that keep our operations running safely and efficiently. This position combines hands-on troubleshooting with system design, programming, and ongoing improvement work. The engineer works closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and other engineering groups to ensure equipment performance meets business needs.

Responsibilities

• Design & Development
  • Develop and modify PLC programs for new and existing equipment (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE, Fanuc, etc.).
  • Create and update HMI interfaces to improve operator usability and equipment visibility.
  • Produce electrical schematics, panel layouts, and related documentation.
  • Select appropriate control components, sensors, drives, and instruments for projects and upgrades.
• Vision Systems
  • Develop and support vision inspection applications (Cognex, Keyence, Omron, etc.).
  • Configure lighting, lenses, and inspection tools to meet part and process requirements.
  • Integrate vision systems with PLCs, robots, and plant networks.
  • Troubleshoot inspection issues and refine setups to reduce false rejects and improve performance.
  • Maintain documentation for inspection logic, program versions, and acceptance criteria.
• System Integration
  • Integrate new equipment into existing production systems while coordinating with mechanical, process, and quality teams.
  • Test and validate machine sequences, safety circuits, alarm logic, and error recovery conditions.
  • Support commissioning of new lines, modifications, and equipment transfers.
  • Support new equipment commissioning, retrofits, and upgrades involving Fanuc and Siemens NC control hardware and software.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting
  • Provide technical support to resolve machine control issues and minimize downtime.
  • Perform root-cause analyses and implement corrective actions that prevent repeat failures.
  • Maintain backups and version control for PLC, HMI, and network configurations.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Evaluate equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve cycle time, reliability, and product quality.
  • Support Lean, TPM, or Six Sigma efforts with automation expertise.
  • Implement logic changes and hardware upgrades that enhance safety and productivity.
• Plant Standards Creation
  • Develop and maintain plant-wide standards for automation and electrical controls in alignment with GE Vernova Global industrialization standards.
  • Establish consistent guidelines for PLC naming conventions, HMI layout, alarm messaging, and diagnostic structure.
  • Define preferred hardware, panel design requirements, wiring practices, and bill-of-materials expectations.
  • Work with engineering and maintenance teams to ensure standards are understood and followed.
  • Keep standards aligned with corporate guidelines and update them as technology or business needs evolve.
• Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure all control system designs comply with applicable codes and standards (NFPA, IEC, ISO, OSHA).
  • Develop, test, and validate machine safety functions such as light curtains, E-stops, door interlocks, and safety PLC logic.
  • Participate in risk assessments and support the implementation of corrective actions.
• Project Management
  • Lead and support automation-related projects from initial concept through installation and start-up.
  • Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to meet project timelines and budget targets.
  • Provide training and documentation for maintenance and operations personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming (ladder, structured text, function block).
• Familiarity with HMI/SCADA development tools.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, OPC).
• Working knowledge of machine safety requirements and electrical codes.

Desired Skills

• Experience in manufacturing or industrial automation environments.
• Exposure to robotics (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, UR).
• Experience with vision systems beyond basic inspection (pattern recognition, AI-assisted tools).
• Understanding of MES systems, data collection, and historian platforms.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Lean or Six Sigma training.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Solid communication and documentation habits.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering and operations teams.
• Attention to detail and focus on safe equipment operation.
• Ability to manage priorities and handle multiple ongoing tasks.

Eligibility

• Must be legally authorized to work in the USA without sponsorship now or in the future.
• This position is 100% onsite at the GE Vernova Greenville, SC Garlington Road location.
• This role is restricted to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. GE will require proof of status prior to employment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource.
• Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling, and referral services.
• GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan (401(k)) with company matching and retirement contributions.
• Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants.
• Tuition assistance.
• Adoption assistance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Disability benefits.
• Life insurance.
• 12 paid holidays and permissive time off.

Pay

The pay range for this position is between $91,700.00 and $152,700.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. Bonus eligibility includes a discretionary annual bonus.