Controls Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 11, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 10, 2026. MacLean Power Systems scores B on the Alion truth index.
Job Summary
Applies engineering principles and standard engineering techniques to design, develop, implement, troubleshoot, and maintain instrumentation, automation, and control systems used in manufacturing operations. Supports equipment reliability, process efficiency, safety, quality, and continuous improvement through effective application of PLC, HMI, and industrial control technologies.
Job Duties
Design, develop, and support automation of manufacturing processes through the use of instrumentation, electrical controls, and automation systems.
Develop new and modify existing PLC and HMI programs, applications, interfaces, and embedded control systems.
Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment and automated systems.
Diagnose electrical, controls, instrumentation, and automation-related equipment issues and implement appropriate solutions.
Participate in the installation, start-up, testing, and commissioning of new equipment and manufacturing systems.
Support upgrades and modifications to existing equipment, control systems, and manufacturing processes.
Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and recommend improvements to increase equipment reliability, efficiency, productivity, safety, and quality.
Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, Production, Quality, and EHS to resolve equipment and process issues.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to equipment performance, downtime reduction, process control, and automation.
Develop and maintain control system documentation, electrical drawings, specifications, programs, operating procedures, and technical documentation.
Maintain appropriate backups and documentation of PLC, HMI, and control system programs.
Provide technical support and guidance to maintenance technicians and production personnel as needed.
Complete all required documentation fully, accurately and timely.
Adhere to 5S standards and maintain an organized work environment
Follow all Safety, Environment, and Quality policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience and Education
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
Typically requires 5–10 years of controls, automation, or manufacturing engineering experience.
Experience programming, troubleshooting, and modifying PLC and HMI systems.
Experience with industrial automation, instrumentation, electrical controls, sensors, motors, drives, and related manufacturing equipment.
Experience supporting equipment installation, start-up, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, equipment manuals, and control system documentation.
Performs work under general supervision with the ability to independently handle moderately complex technical issues.
Escalates highly complex technical problems to appropriate resources when necessary.
Possesses solid working knowledge of controls engineering principles and manufacturing automation.
May provide technical guidance, coaching, or mentoring to technicians and other team members.
Competencies/ Skills
PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting
Industrial automation and control systems
Electrical and instrumentation troubleshooting
Strong technical and mechanical aptitude
Critical thinking and analytical skills
Root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
Strong mathematical and technical skills
Computer and engineering software proficiency
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation
Project management and organizational skills
Intermediate to advanced written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
Strong attention to detail and documentation
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing environment