Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $1 Billion global manufacturer of a broad line of electronic interconnect solutions, including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. Samtec Technology Centers are dedicated to developing and advancing technologies, strategies and products to optimize both the performance and cost of a system from the bare die to an interface 100 meters away, and all interconnect points in between. With 40+ international locations and products sold in more than 125 different countries, Samtec’s global presence enables its unmatched customer service.
Summary/Objective: The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and support of control systems for advanced manufacturing equipment. This includes oversight of all controls-related aspects of automation projects—from initial scoping to detailed electrical design, software development, commissioning, and long-term support. The Controls Engineer is expected to deliver well-engineered, standards-compliant control systems that are reliable, sustainable, and scalable.
Essential Functions/ Responsibilities:
- Lead the development of controls systems for automated equipment.
- Own all phases of controls development on assigned projects: from functional requirements and architecture through programming, power-up, and commissioning.
- Collaborate with mechanical and process engineering teams to define and document control system functional requirements.
- Specify electrical, pneumatic, thermal, and motion control components based on system requirements (e.g. controllers, motors, drives, heaters, sensors, actuators).
- Oversee creation and revision of electrical schematics.
- Control systems software design and development including programming PLCs, HMI/SCADA platforms, Motion Controllers, and servo drives.
- Execute system startup, debug, tuning, and machine qualification for new or upgraded automation systems.
- Provide troubleshooting and support for existing production machinery and control systems.
- Manage technical resources and coordinate timelines for controls-related project activities.
- Implement control system software changes to support upgrades, process improvements, or safety initiatives.
- Contribute to the creation and maintenance of software templates and standards for control system functionality, structure, and documentation.
- Ensure systems are designed with safety, sustainability, and long-term performance in mind, in compliance with standards such as NFPA 79, UL508A, and ISO 13849-1.
“The responsibilities as defined are intended to serve as a general guideline for this position. Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities”
Required Experience:
- 5 years of direct experience as a controls engineer working on automated processes, equipment, and system integration in a manufacturing environment.
- Operational knowledge of servo motors, stepper motors, motion controllers, temperature controllers, pneumatic controls, control relays, sensors, operator interfaces, etc.
- Motion Controller programming experience.
- Operator Interface programming experience (Ignition and/or Red Lion preferred).
- PLC programming experience (IEC-61331-3 languages preferred).
- Knowledge of PID loop control and tuning.
- Experience reading and developing electrical schematics for internal and external builds.
- Experience with common industrial, IoT, and motion bus protocols (e.g. Modbus, MQTT/OPC-UA, EtherCAT/EthernetIP, etc.).
- Understanding of engineering documentation such as setup and adjustment procedures, calibration, software documentation, operating instructions, and maintenance procedures.
- Familiarity with machine safety applications, electrical power distribution, and control panel design.
- Understanding of Safety standards such as ANSI B11, ISO 13849-1, or IEC 62061.
- Familiarity with other relevant industry standards such as NEMA, NFPA 79, UL508A, etc.
- Resource management for project execution.
- Familiarity with software development tools, scripting languages, or database systems (e.g., Java, Python, .NET, SQL, web applications) is a plus—particularly where integration with enterprise systems or IT/OT convergence is involved.
- Proficient with written and verbal technical communication including generating reports and conducting group presentations.
- Must be able to sit/stand for at least 90 consecutive minutes, and not suffer from any sensory deprivation and/or paralysis of the limbs.
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Education:
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent.
