Control Systems Controls Engineer

ABCO South Automation Group is seeking a Controls Engineer with approximately 3–7 years of industrial automation experience to design, program, integrate, and commission industrial control systems.

In this role, you’ll take ownership of assigned controls work from design through startup. You’ll collaborate with engineers, project managers, electricians, panel builders, and customers to deliver reliable automation solutions across manufacturing, material handling, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, warehouse, and other industrial facilities.

This position is ideal for an engineer who can independently handle programming and troubleshooting, contribute to project decisions, and continue developing expertise in automation and system integration.

Primary Responsibilities

Controls Design & Development

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs, HMI applications, and SCADA systems.
• Translate project requirements into machine sequences, control narratives, and functional specifications.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, bills of materials, I/O lists, and network architecture drawings.
• Design systems using established engineering standards and contribute improvements to programming templates and documentation.
• Select controls hardware and review vendor documentation for compatibility with project requirements.

System Integration

• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and communications.
• Integrate third-party equipment, including VFDs, servo systems, remote I/O, barcode scanners, vision systems, safety devices, and industrial robots.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving electrical hardware, control logic, communications, and equipment interfaces.
• Coordinate with vendors, electricians, and project teams to resolve integration challenges.

Field Service & Commissioning

• Execute startup and commissioning activities for assigned systems.
• Perform I/O checkout, device verification, sequence testing, and system troubleshooting.
• Conduct factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Document test results and resolve outstanding issues.
• Provide remote and onsite customer support.
• Train customers on system operation and troubleshooting.
• Deliver accurate drawings, program backups, and final project documentation.

Project Ownership & Collaboration

• Manage assigned controls deliverables from initial design through commissioning.
• Communicate progress, technical risks, and scope changes to project managers.
• Participate in project meetings and technical discussions with customers.
• Support panel fabrication, manufacturing, and electrical installation teams.
• Maintain project documentation and revision control.
• Share technical knowledge and support less-experienced team members.

Required Qualifications

• Approximately 3–7 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or system integration.
• Ability to independently complete assigned programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning work.
• Hands-on experience with at least one major PLC platform, such as Rockwell Studio 5000 or Siemens TIA Portal.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting HMI or SCADA applications.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics and controls documentation.
• Working knowledge of industrial networking and communications.
• Experience integrating and troubleshooting common industrial controls hardware.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with customers, vendors, and project teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel for commissioning and customer support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, mechatronics, engineering technology, or a related field; equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, control panel design, and bills of materials.
• Familiarity with NFPA 70, NFPA 79, UL 508A, and industrial safety systems.
• Experience with one or more of the following technologies:
• PLC platforms: Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, AutomationDirect Productivity Suite, or Keyence KV Studio.
• HMI/SCADA platforms: FactoryTalk View, Ignition, Maple Systems, AVEVA Edge, or Emerson Movicon.
• Industrial communications: EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, PROFINET, or IO-Link.
• Robotics: FANUC, Yaskawa, or Fairino.
• Machine vision: Cognex or Keyence.

Experience with every listed platform is not required. We value strong controls fundamentals, practical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to learn new technologies.

Travel Expectations

• Approximately 20–40% travel, depending on project workload.
• Local and nationwide travel for startup, commissioning, and customer support.
• Overnight travel required for some assignments.

Benefits

At ABCO South Automation Group, we invest in you and your family. Our benefits package includes 100% company-paid insurance, including dependent coverage, along with retirement support, paid time off, and opportunities to earn additional income.

• 100% company-paid insurance for you and your dependents — insurance premiums fully paid by the company.
• 401(k) employer match after six months — support for building your retirement savings.
• Overtime opportunities — opportunities to earn additional income.
• Paid company holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) — time to rest, recharge, and take care of personal priorities.

Build Your Career With ABCO South Automation Group

Put your controls experience to work on varied automation projects where you can take ownership and see the results of your engineering. Join ABCO South Automation Group for opportunities to grow your technical skills and a strong benefits package that supports you and your family.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Must be a US Citizen
• Will you require sponsorship now or in the near future?

Location:

• High Point, NC 27262 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• High Point, NC 27262: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person