Controls Engineer

Controls EngineerLocation: Sparrows Point, MDPosition OverviewWe are seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission industrial control systems that drive automated manufacturing and processing equipment. The role is responsible for developing reliable PLC logic, supporting HMI/SCADA interfaces, integrating communication protocols and industrial networks, and collaborating with mechanical and electrical teams to deliver safe, maintainable, and efficient control solutions. The ideal candidate has strong PLC expertise and experience with HMI, SCADA, industrial communication protocols, networking, and Fanuc robot integration.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, program, and troubleshoot PLC control logic for new and existing machinery and process systems (development, testing, and commissioning).Develop, configure, and maintain HMI and SCADA screens and alarm/recipe structures to provide clear operator interfaces and system insight.Integrate and test industrial communication protocols (for example Modbus, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET) to connect PLCs, drives, sensors, and higher-level systems.Design and support industrial networking infrastructure, including switches, VLANs, and cybersecurity best practices for control systems.Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and automation teams to produce control schematics, I/O lists, and wiring diagrams; review designs for manufacturability and maintainability.Perform system-level troubleshooting and root-cause analysis on control systems and field devices to minimize downtime and improve reliability.Commission systems onsite, including FAT/SAT support, loop checks, signal validation, and operator training.Create and maintain clear documentation: PLC code comments, HMI/SCADA documentation, wiring diagrams, test plans, and commissioning reports.Implement safety interlocks and adhere to applicable electrical, machine safety, and industry standards (lockout/tagout, NFPA 70E, ISO, etc.).Mentor junior engineers and technicians, and assist in continuous improvement initiatives for automation standards and processes.QualificationsBachelors degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline (or equivalent experience).Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience developing and commissioning PLC-based control systems (required).Proven proficiency with PLC programming languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Function Block, Structured Text) and common PLC platforms.Nice to have:Experience developing HMI and SCADA applications (designing screens, alarms, trends, and operator workflows).Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, OPC-UA) and device integrationExperience integrating or programming Fanuc robots or collaborating on robotic cell integration.