Automation Control Engineer

Controls Engineer – Industrial Automation

Location:

Columbus, IN

Salary Range:

$75,000 – $95,000

Employment Type:

Direct Hire \| Full-Time

Job Summary:

We are supporting a

confidential custom automation and industrial systems manufacturer

seeking a

Controls Engineer

to design, program, and deploy advanced automated equipment.

This is a

hands-on engineering role

where you’ll work across the full lifecycle of automation systems — from

PLC programming and electrical design to startup, commissioning, and customer delivery

. This is

not

a maintenance role — it’s ideal for someone who wants to

build, program, and launch systems from scratch

in a project-driven environment.

Required Skills \& Qualifications

• 1\+ years of experience in

controls engineering or industrial automation

• Hands-on experience with

PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Keyence, etc.)

• Experience with

robotics or cobots (Fanuc, UR, Doosan, etc.)

• Experience with

vision systems (Keyence, Cognex, barcode readers, etc.)

• Ability to read and interpret

electrical schematics

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Experience working in

manufacturing or automation environments

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship available)

Preferred Skills

• Experience with

HMI / motion control systems

• Exposure to

SQL Server / database integration

• Familiarity with

AutoCAD or electrical design tools

• Experience supporting

equipment startup, commissioning, or runoffs

• Comfortable supporting projects outside standard hours when needed

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Program and support

PLCs, robotics, and vision systems

for custom equipment

• Design and support

electrical systems (panels, circuits, wiring)

• Support

startup, commissioning, and customer acceptance testing

• Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues and implement fixes
• Assist with

field wiring, debugging, and system validation

• Support

project documentation and training materials

• Collaborate with engineering teams to bring systems into production
• Communicate technical updates with customers and internal teams

Work Environment

• Primarily onsite in a

custom automation facility

• Some hands-on work including lifting (30–50 lbs) and working on equipment
• Occasional support during installation/startup phases

Why This Role

• Work on

custom, non-repetitive automation projects

(not the same line every day)

• Strong exposure to

PLC \+ robotics \+ vision systems

in one role

• Clear path for

technical growth and skill expansion

• Collaborative engineering environment with real ownership
• Competitive compensation \+ full benefits

Interested?

Apply directly or message me for a confidential conversation.