Controls Engineer

Description

Position at Samtec, Inc

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:

1. Lead the development of controls systems for automated equipment.

2. Own all phases of controls development on assigned projects: from functional requirements and architecture through programming, power-up, and commissioning.

3. Collaborate with mechanical and process engineering teams to define and document control system functional requirements.

4. Specify electrical, pneumatic, thermal, and motion control components based on system requirements (e.g. controllers, motors, drives, heaters, sensors, actuators).

5. Oversee creation and revision of electrical schematics.

6. Control systems software design and development including programming PLCs, HMI/SCADA platforms, Motion Controllers, and servo drives.

7. Execute system startup, debug, tuning, and machine qualification for new or upgraded automation systems.

8. Provide troubleshooting and support for existing production machinery and control systems.

9. Manage technical resources and coordinate timelines for controls-related project activities.

10. Implement control system software changes to support upgrades, process improvements, or safety initiatives.

11. Contribute to the creation and maintenance of software templates and standards for control system functionality, structure, and documentation.

12. 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:

1. 5 years of direct experience as a controls engineer working on automated processes, equipment, and system integration in a manufacturing environment.

2. Operational knowledge of servo motors, stepper motors, motion controllers, temperature controllers, pneumatic controls, control relays, sensors, operator interfaces, etc.

3. Motion Controller programming experience.

4. Operator Interface programming experience (Ignition and/or Red Lion preferred).

5. PLC programming experience (IEC-61331-3 languages preferred).

6. Knowledge of PID loop control and tuning.

7. Experience reading and developing electrical schematics for internal and external builds.

8. Experience with common industrial, IoT, and motion bus protocols (e.g. Modbus, MQTT/OPC-UA, EtherCAT/EthernetIP, etc.).

9. Understanding of engineering documentation such as setup and adjustment procedures, calibration, software documentation, operating instructions, and maintenance procedures.

10. Familiarity with machine safety applications, electrical power distribution, and control panel design.

11. Understanding of Safety standards such as ANSI B11, ISO 13849-1, or IEC 62061.

12. Familiarity with other relevant industry standards such as NEMA, NFPA 79, UL508A, etc.

13. Resource management for project execution.

14. 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.

15. Proficient with written and verbal technical communication including generating reports and conducting group presentations.

16. 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.

Education:

-B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent.

SAMTEC, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to creating a diverse environment. All employment decisions at Samtec are based in business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, pregnancy or parental status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity/expression, marital status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws.