Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer – Contract

Location: Boston, MA area – Onsite, 5 days/week
Employment Type: Full-time Contract
Duration: Approximately 6 months, with possible extension
Travel: Required to other team sites and vendor/integrator locations

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support the build, commissioning, integration, and operation of automated machines, workcells, and End-of-Line (EOL) test lines in a manufacturing environment.

This is a hands-on, floor-facing role involving PLC/HMI/SCADA programming, automated equipment integration, MES connectivity, commissioning, troubleshooting, and production support.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC logic using Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000/ControlLogix, Beckhoff TwinCAT, or similar platforms.
• Build and maintain HMI/SCADA applications using Ignition, FactoryTalk, WinCC, or equivalent.
• Integrate automated equipment and workcells, including Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, or similar automation.
• Interface equipment with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and support connectivity using OPC-UA, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET.
• Support machine and workcell build, including electrical assembly, panel/I/O wiring, and sensor/actuator installation.
• Perform FAT/SAT, I/O verification, sequence testing, commissioning, and cycle-time tuning.
• Verify equipment against engineering specifications, controls standards, electrical requirements, and safety standards.
• Troubleshoot equipment on the manufacturing floor, perform root-cause analysis, and implement improvements to equipment reliability and uptime.
• Maintain controls documentation, electrical drawings, commissioning checklists, and troubleshooting documentation.

Basic Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, machine build, or a related discipline.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Practical experience programming and/or troubleshooting at least one major PLC platform: Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, or similar.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems such as Ignition, FactoryTalk, or WinCC.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, panel and I/O wiring, and electrical/controls drawings.
• Hands-on equipment troubleshooting experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work onsite 5 days per week and travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commissioning experience including FAT/SAT, I/O checkout, sequence testing, and cycle-time tuning.
• Automation/workcell programming and integration experience with Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, or similar.
• MES integration experience and familiarity with OPC-UA, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET.
• Familiarity with functional safety and equipment safety standards, including Safety PLCs, IEC 62443, NFPA 79, and ISO 13849.
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, battery/energy, or other advanced manufacturing environments.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in a manufacturing/development facility and may involve exposure to electrical systems, high-voltage equipment, automated equipment, automated guided vehicles, and industrial equipment. Standard PPE and site safety training are required.

Pay: $55.00 - $100.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Application Question(s):

• How many years of hands-on controls engineering / industrial automation experience do you have?

Do you have hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs (Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, or similar) and working with HMI/SCADA systems?
Are you able to work onsite in the Boston, MA area 5 days per week and travel as required?

Work Location: In person