Controls Engineer

CONTROLS ENGINEER

Mar 23, 2026

Columbus, IN

Pay Rate : $85,000.00

Job Title: Controls Engineer - Industrial Automation (PLC / Robotics)

Location: Columbus, IN (On-site | Relocation Not Available)

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 (DOE)

Employment Type: Direct Hire (Exempt)

Job Summary

We are supporting a confidential industrial automation and custom equipment manufacturer seeking a Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, startup, and deployment of automated manufacturing systems.

This is a hands-on, project-based role ideal for an early-career to mid-level Controls Engineer who enjoys working with PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and electrical design in a custom automation environment. This role is not a plant maintenance position engineers are involved throughout the full equipment lifecycle, from design and programming through commissioning, testing, and customer acceptance.

Required Skills & Qualifications

1+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation / controls engineering

PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Keyence, or similar platforms)

Experience programming industrial robots or cobots (Fanuc, Universal Robots, Doosan, or similar)

Experience with vision systems (Keyence, Cognex, or similar)

Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics

Working knowledge of industrial safety circuits

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

Experience with HMI and motion control systems

Exposure to SQL Server / database setup

Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar electrical design software

Experience supporting equipment startups, runoffs, and commissioning

Comfortable supporting projects outside of first shift as needed

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Program and support PLCs, robotics, and vision systems for custom automation equipment

Support equipment startup, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance

Design and support electrical systems including control panels, wiring, and circuits

Support field wiring, debugging, and system troubleshooting

Diagnose electrical and controls issues and implement corrective actions

Support creation of project documentation and training materials

Collaborate with engineering and production teams to transition equipment into production

Communicate project status and technical details with customers and internal stakeholders

Physical and Environment Requirements

Physical expectations and working conditions may include standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods; lifting up to 30-50 lbs; working at varying heights; and working in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Some onsite installation and support work may be required.

Company Benefits & Culture

Competitive salary based on experience

Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)

Stable pipeline of custom automation projects

Opportunity to work on technically challenging, non-repetitive equipment

Collaborative engineering environment with hands-on ownership

INDQSS3