Automation Controls Engineer

Automation Controls Engineer – Manufacturing (Direct Hire)

Location: Little Rock, AR

Pay: $110,000 – $120,000 annually

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering field required.

Experience Requirements

Minimum 5 years of Automation Controls Engineering experience in a highly automated manufacturing environment.

Experience developing Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable PLC programs from the ground up.

Strong background in PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, motion control, industrial networking, and electrical controls.

Experience using AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, or similar controls design software.

Ability to read, create, and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.

Proven troubleshooting and diagnostic experience with industrial automation systems.

Project engineering experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Manufacturing experience required.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Physical Capabilities

Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.

Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Ability to wear required PPE and work safely in an industrial manufacturing environment.

Ability to work around noise, dust, vibration, varying temperatures, and active production equipment.

Job Duties

Develop and program PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, and motion control systems.

Design electrical schematics, control panels, and custom automation solutions.

Troubleshoot and optimize automation, electrical, and control systems.

Lead controls upgrades, modernization efforts, and automation projects.

Commission new equipment and support startup activities.

Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, operations, and production teams to improve efficiency.

Support capital projects, facility improvements, and new product introductions.

Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, safety, and reliability while reducing costs.

Design, build, and implement innovative automation solutions for manufacturing operations.

Support metal stamping, roll forming, assembly, and plastic injection molding processes.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with robotics, machine vision systems, automated material handling equipment, and manufacturing automation integration.

Experience creating machine sequencing, motion control applications, PID loops, safety systems, and networked manufacturing controls.

Experience supporting metal stamping presses, robotic cells, material handling systems, and injection molding equipment.

Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Six Sigma experience preferred.

Benefits vary by client and are confirmed at the time of offer. Examples may include:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Paid time off (PTO)