Controls Engineer Vehicle Wash Systems

Client is seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer – Vehicle Wash Systems to join its engineering team. This role is responsible for the design, troubleshooting, support, and continuous improvement of automated vehicle wash systems.

While strong PLC and controls knowledge is essential, mechanical aptitude and hands-on mechanical understanding are critical to success in this position. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable working with mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, and control logic in both office and field environments.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the Controls Engineer for small to medium-sized vehicle wash projects, supporting systems from design through commissioning

Travel approximately 20% to customer sites (overnight travel about once per month) to assist with system startups, mechanical troubleshooting, and field inspections

Diagnose and resolve system issues remotely and onsite, with a strong focus on mechanical root-cause analysis in addition to PLC and electrical troubleshooting

Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI applications

Develop clear, accurate, and cost-effective engineering drawings using AutoCAD, including mechanical layouts, schematics, and control documentation

Interpret and troubleshoot mechanical drawings, equipment layouts, and system assemblies to ensure proper integration with control systems

Collaborate with project managers to ensure designs meet operational requirements, schedules, and budget constraints

Apply continuous improvement and lean principles to enhance system reliability, performance, and serviceability

Support the service department by assisting with BOM creation, technical quotes, and upgrade recommendations

Assist the sales team with technical evaluations, quotations, and jobsite walkthroughs as needed

Required Qualifications

Strong mechanical aptitude is required, including the ability to understand, troubleshoot, and improve mechanical systems such as pumps, conveyors, spray assemblies, and drive mechanisms

Proven experience with PLC programming, controls troubleshooting, and industrial automation systems

Ability to read and interpret mechanical prints, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and blueprints

Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar design software for both mechanical and electrical documentation

Experience working with electro-mechanical systems in industrial, manufacturing, or automated equipment environments

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in identifying mechanical failures impacting system performance

Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering, service, sales, and project teams

Why Join This Opportunity?

This position offers the opportunity to work on innovative automated vehicle wash systems where mechanical design, electrical systems, and automation controls come together to deliver high-performance solutions. The role provides hands-on engineering experience, technical challenges, and the ability to directly impact system quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.