Controls Engineer- PE

Controls Engineer

At Okuma America Corporation, we are committed to delivering industry-leading CNC machine tool technology and helping our customers achieve long-term success through innovation, expertise, and exceptional support. As a Controls Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and supporting custom controls solutions, PLC programs, and software modifications that enhance machine performance and meet unique customer requirements.

This role is ideal for a technically skilled engineer who enjoys solving complex automation challenges, collaborating across departments, and serving as a trusted technical resource. As a key member of the engineering team, you will take ownership of intermediate-complexity controls projects while supporting internal teams, distributors, and customers through the entire project lifecycle.

How You'll Make an Impact

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Design

Design and develop custom controls solutions, including I/O configurations, software modifications, and PLC programs.

Create and maintain BOMs, engineering documentation, CAD drawings, and change orders.

Support custom automation projects and customer-specific machine enhancements.

Engineering Support

Manage I/O change requests and maintain engineering documentation.

Support engineering databases, sourcing activities, and technical research.

Partner with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and improve products.

Support & Quoting

Provide technical support to customers, distributors, service teams, and internal stakeholders.

Develop quotations for custom controls, software, and automation solutions.

Troubleshoot controls, PLC, and software-related issues and help drive effective solutions.

Communication & Reporting

Maintain accurate project documentation and engineering records.

Communicate project status and technical updates to key stakeholders.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

Safety & Compliance

Follow all company policies, engineering standards, and safety procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned to support business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.

Equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.

Experience

3-6 years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, PLC programming, or a related field.

Demonstrated experience developing PLC programs and controls solutions for production equipment, machine tools, or similarly complex systems.

Experience creating and managing Bills of Materials (BOMs), Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), and technical documentation.

Skills & Competencies

Strong understanding of industrial I/O architecture and controls systems.

Knowledge of custom software development practices and change-control processes.

Ability to troubleshoot and resolve controls, PLC, and automation-related issues.

Experience with 2D CAD software and engineering documentation development.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities while working independently and collaboratively.

Strong communication skills with the ability to support customers, distributors, and internal stakeholders.

Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and customer success.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and engineering support tools.

The Okuma Difference

At Okuma, innovation is more than a goal. It is part of who we are. As one of the world's leading manufacturers of CNC machine tools, we invest in advanced technology, employee development, and strong customer relationships. Our team members enjoy a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and professional growth are encouraged.

When you join Okuma, you become part of an organization that values excellence, teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to helping customers succeed. You'll have opportunities to expand your technical expertise, work alongside industry professionals, and contribute to meaningful business outcomes.

Supporting Your Success

At Okuma, we invest in our employees' well-being and professional growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes competitive bonus opportunities, pension and 401(k) plans, medical, dental, and vision coverage, company-paid disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible scheduling options.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

Okuma America Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the application process and perform the essential functions of the position.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Experience/Training/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent preferred
• 3-7 years of engineering experience in a related field
• PLC programming experience preferred
• Hands on experience working on robotics, automation, or other powered machinery preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

General:

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multitask and manage a range of responsibilities and competing priorities while working under pressure to meet deadlines
• Superb time management and organizational skills with the ability to meet regular and frequent deadlines
• Demonstrates expertise in a variety of engineering disciplines, concepts, practices, and procedures

Technical:

• Strong understanding of CNC functionality, operation, programming, and navigation
• Strong PLC design and troubleshooting skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft.NET/ASP, NET SQL Server Database and COM Technologies
• Ability to read and interpret CAD/CAM - 2D & 3D
• Ability to create technical documentation
• Familiarity with current manufacturing technologies, Okuma’s new and enhanced products, models, controls, and options
• Skilled at progressing from problem statement to well-documented and tested designs
• Understanding and application of national and international standards such as ISO, OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, and current RIA robot safety specifications
• Microsoft Office knowledge including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Communication:

• Strong written and verbal technical communication skills
• Exceptional ability to speak and write effectively in a business environment
• Exceptional ability to ask necessary questions

Math & Reasoning:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and willingness to adapt to change and take initiative
• Ability to determine customer needs to develop project specifications and scope

Physical and Environmental Elements

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit continuously for over three quarters of the normal work shift, and stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms for at least one fourth of the normal work shift
• Ability to lift and carry, push, or pull up to 20 pounds
• Ability to stoop, crouch and reach
• Ability to talk or hear continuously
• Ability to see clearly to do all work-related tasks (clear or corrected vision at 20 inches or less)
• Finger dexterity is required frequently for over 3/4 of the normal work shift including operating a phone, computer/ electronic equipment, and electronic tools

Work Environment:

• About three quarters of the position’s functions are performed in the office environment with standard equipment and moderate noise levels (examples: computers, printers, fax, copiers, light traffic, and phone)
• The other quarter of the position’s functions are performed either at a customer site or in the Okuma warehouse/ showroom. Will often interact with the production/warehouse environment. Thus, the employee may work in an open warehouse area where temperatures may be subject to outdoor conditions in terms of cold and heat. There is exposure to various tools and equipment as well as forklift operations and corresponding noise levels

Special Requirements

• Maintain annual OSHA safety certifications as required by job duties
• Driving record that is insurable
• May need to travel occasionally (up to 40%)