Automation Controls Engineer

We're looking for an experienced
Automation & Controls Engineer
to support a growing manufacturing team in the Columbus area. This role is designed for someone who enjoys building, modifying, and improving control systems. You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of automation projects, drive process improvements, and make an immediate impact on plant performance.

What You'll Do

• Develop, modify, and optimize PLC programs (primarily Allen-Bradley Logix/Studio 5000).
• Build and update HMI/SCADA applications (FactoryTalk View or similar).
• Lead controls projects from design and programming through commissioning and startup.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for controls, networks, and instrumentation.
• Implement control system upgrades, networking improvements, and automation enhancements.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production on process improvements and new equipment integration.
• Maintain accurate documentation, backups, standards, and change control practices.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's in Electrical, Automation, Controls, or related engineering field — or equivalent technical experience.
• 3–7+ years of real PLC/HMI programming experience in manufacturing environments.
• Strong skills with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix, ladder logic, and structured programming.
• Experience developing or modifying HMI/SCADA systems.
• Solid understanding of instrumentation, industrial networks (Ethernet/IP), VFDs, and control panel architecture.
• Strong problem-solving ability and comfort working both independently and cross-functionally.

Nice to Have (Not Required)

• Data historian or reporting tools (PI, SQL, etc.).
• Vision systems (Keyence, Cognex).
• Experience with PlantPAx or batch/continuous processing.
• Ignition development experience.
• Experience integrating capital equipment or large automation projects.