Senior Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer

Senior Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer

Axinova Inc. – Caldwell, ID
$100,000–$125,000/year | Full-time | In-person

Compensation and title based on experience and technical competencies.

Build Custom Automation Systems

Axinova is a robotic systems integrator specializing in custom automation solutions for the food and beverage industry. We design, build, program, and commission advanced secondary packaging systems including robotic case packing, palletizing, material handling, conveying, and other custom automation solutions for industrial customers across the United States.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer who enjoys solving complex automation challenges and taking systems from concept through production and deployment.

This is a hands-on role for someone who can take ownership of controls development, machine sequencing, HMI development, system integration, startup, and troubleshooting. You will work primarily with Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLC and HMI platforms while collaborating closely with robotics engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical designers, fabrication teams, and customers.

Our systems also commonly integrate KUKA and ABB industrial robots, servo systems, VFDs, safety devices, vision systems, and other industrial automation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and commission Allen-Bradley PLC-based automation systems
• Develop machine control architecture, sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and fault-handling strategies
• Program Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC platforms using Studio 5000
• Develop and support HMI applications using Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms
• Develop structured, reusable PLC code for custom machine and robotic automation applications
• Develop and maintain PackML-style machine state models and equipment control sequences
• Integrate PLC systems with KUKA, ABB, and other industrial robotic platforms
• Configure and troubleshoot EtherNet/IP networks and industrial communication systems
• Integrate servo drives, VFDs, remote I/O, safety devices, barcode systems, vision systems, and other automation equipment
• Develop and troubleshoot machine safety systems, including safety PLC logic and CIP Safety applications
• Support robotic case packing, palletizing, conveying, material handling, and secondary packaging applications
• Perform controls checkout, machine startup, debugging, and system optimization
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), installation, and commissioning
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, networking, communication, and equipment integration issues
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, robotic, and fabrication teams throughout system design and build
• Interface directly with customers during design reviews, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting
• Create and maintain PLC/HMI backups, documentation, troubleshooting information, and programming standards
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced controls engineers and programmers as needed
• A key expectation of this role is the ability to work within and help maintain Axinova's established controls programming standards, including PackML-based machine state architecture, standardized code structures, naming conventions, reusable logic, and HMI standards

Required Qualifications

• Strong experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs using Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000
• Experience with ControlLogix and/or CompactLogix platforms
• Strong understanding of industrial machine sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and fault recovery
• Experience developing and troubleshooting industrial HMI systems
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in industrial automation environments
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, I/O drawings, network drawings, and technical documentation
• Experience integrating PLC-controlled equipment with industrial devices and automation systems
• Understanding of industrial Ethernet networks and EtherNet/IP communications
• Ability to independently troubleshoot controls, electrical, and equipment integration issues
• Ability to work effectively with mechanical, electrical, robotics, fabrication, and field service teams
• Willingness to travel for installation, startup, and commissioning projects
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of industrial PLC programming and controls engineering experience
• Advanced Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 programming experience
• Experience with Rockwell FactoryTalk View ME and/or SE
• Experience developing PackML or similar state-machine-based control architectures
• Experience with GuardLogix, CIP Safety, and machine safety systems
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting EtherNet/IP networks
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PowerFlex VFDs and Kinetix servo systems
• Experience integrating industrial robots with PLC-controlled automation systems
• Familiarity with KUKA and/or ABB industrial robots
• Experience with robotic palletizing, case packing, conveying, and material handling systems
• Experience integrating vision systems, barcode readers, checkweighers, printers, scanners, or similar production equipment
• Experience with coordinated motion or servo-based machine control
• Experience developing reusable PLC libraries, AOIs, UDTs, and standardized programming structures
• Experience with field startup and commissioning of custom automation equipment
• Experience in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or secondary packaging automation
• Familiarity with applicable machine safety standards and risk assessment practices

Travel Expectations

This position includes travel for system installation, startup, troubleshooting, and commissioning.

Typical travel ranges from approximately 20–40% depending on project phase. Some periods may require increased travel during active customer deployments.

Axinova currently offers:

• Travel pay
• Per diem pay
• Company-covered travel expenses

We work to provide advance scheduling and maintain work-life balance whenever possible.

Compensation

• $100,000–$125,000 annually, based on competency and experience
• Overtime opportunities during commissioning and field startup
• Growth opportunities within a rapidly growing automation company

Benefits

• Medical insurance fully covered for employees and spouses
• Dental & vision insurance fully covered for employees and spouses
• Flexible PTO policy and paid holidays
• 401(k) with 4% company match (fully vested)
• Employer-paid life & AD&D insurance
• Optional supplemental insurance plans available

Why Join Axinova?

• Take ownership of controls development for complete custom automation systems
• Work on projects from initial design and programming through final commissioning
• Develop advanced automation for real-world food and beverage production environments
• Work with Allen-Bradley controls alongside KUKA and ABB robotic systems
• Hands-on engineering environment with significant technical variety
• Opportunity to help develop and improve company-wide controls standards and programming practices
• Direct impact on machine performance, project success, and customer operations
• Opportunity to grow with an expanding automation integrator

Learn more about Axinova and Velec Group:

www.axinova.us

www.velecgroup.com/en/

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person

Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person