Automation PLC Controls Engineer

Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Location: Essex, Connecticut

Full-Time | On-Site

We are seeking an experienced Automation Controls Engineer to join a highly technical engineering team focused on the design and implementation of advanced automated assembly systems used within a precision manufacturing environment.

This is not a maintenance-focused controls role.

We are specifically seeking engineers who have designed and implemented automation systems from the ground up, including PLC software architecture, hardware design, HMI development, and machine commissioning/debug.

The ideal candidate will have strong Allen Bradley PLC programming experience using Studio 5000 and will have personally written PLC code from scratch for multiple custom automation projects.

This position offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated special-purpose automated assembly systems in a clean, organized, engineering-driven environment alongside a highly educated and collaborative technical team.

Unlike many automation roles, these systems are built for internal manufacturing operations, so extensive travel for machine commissioning is not required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC programs from scratch using Allen Bradley Studio 5000
• Develop automation architecture for custom assembly and manufacturing systems
• Design and develop HMI applications
• Create electrical hardware designs and control schematics
• Support machine debug, startup, and commissioning activities
• Integrate robots, motion control systems, servos, vision systems, and related automation technologies
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams
• Troubleshoot and optimize machine performance during development and launch
• Participate in full project lifecycle activities from concept through implementation

Desired Experience

• Strong Allen Bradley PLC programming experience using Studio 5000
• Experience writing PLC code from scratch for custom automation projects
• Experience with HMI development platforms such as FactoryTalk, Ignition, WinCC, or similar
• Electrical hardware design and schematic development experience
• AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN experience preferred
• Experience with servo systems, motion control, robotics, and automated assembly equipment
• Experience with robot programming and integration is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of machine safety and industrial controls design
• Ability to work independently on technically challenging projects

Ideal Backgrounds May Include

• Custom machine builders
• Automation system integrators
• OEM automation equipment manufacturers
• Advanced manufacturing automation environments
• Robotics and assembly automation companies

Candidates whose experience has primarily involved maintaining or lightly modifying existing automation systems may not be the right fit for this role.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This position is located in beautiful Essex, Connecticut — one of New England’s most desirable shoreline communities. The area offers exceptional quality of life for those who enjoy boating, waterfront living, excellent seaside dining, and easy access to both the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River.

Additional highlights include:

• Clean, modern, highly organized manufacturing environment
• Strong engineering and technical team culture
• Advanced automation projects with meaningful technical depth
• Little to no travel required
• Excellent healthcare benefits that can save employees thousands of dollars over time
• Generous and consistent bonus program designed to reward long-term contribution and growth with the company

If you are a true automation design engineer who enjoys building sophisticated systems from the ground up, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.