Automation and Controls Engineer

Franklin International, a leading manufacturer of adhesives, coatings, and sealants is currently seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer.

Franklin is expanding its internal automation and controls team to accelerate innovation, improve manufacturing efficiency, and build long-term technical capability. We are seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer who thrives on solving problems, improving systems, and taking ownership of their work.

This role is ideal for an engineer who prefers to address root causes instead of symptoms, seeks out opportunities to optimize rather than maintain the status quo, and wants to contribute meaningfully to both daily production and strategic automation initiatives. This position centers on Rockwell-based systems and plays a key role in plant-wide automation improvements, process control optimization, and production support.

Fundamental Job Tasks:

Develop and optimize PLC programming using ladder logic and function block diagrams (FBDs) in Studio 5000

Design and deploy HMI/SCADA systems in FactoryTalk View SE/ME

Design and configure FactoryTalk Batch control systems consistent with ISA-88 standards (area models, phases, recipes, etc.)

Investigate and troubleshoot DCS issues, identify root causes, and implement robust, lasting solutions

Lead or support the commissioning and startup of new or modified control systems

Occasionally assist with electrical design, networking, or instrumentation-related tasks

Collaborate with cross-functional teams on DCS additions and process control improvements

Provide training and support for DCS users

Help establish and enforce programming standards and best practices

Contribute to long-term automation strategy and initiatives

Provide occasional after-hours support for 24/5 production operations

Infrequently plan and support DCS improvements on weekends when production is not running

Knowledge and Skills:

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Computer Engineering

3–6 years of experience in industrial automation and controls

Technical

Rockwell Platform proficiency including:

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View SE/ME

FactoryTalk Batch

Work Style & Character Traits

Strong project ownership and independent problem-solving mindset

Proven ability to identify and execute DCS improvements

Works autonomously and collaborates effectively across departments

Nice-to-Have Experience

PlantPAx

Vision systems (e.g., barcode scanning, quality inspection)

Packaging automation or downstream equipment integration

PI Historian or other process historian and data visualization platforms

SQL-based reporting

Ignition by Inductive Automation

Background in batch or chemical processing environments

About Us

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin International is among the largest privately held manufacturers of adhesives and sealants in the United States. We opened in 1935 as the Franklin Glue Company and today are known as Franklin International to reflect our global distribution across 60 countries on six continents around the globe. Our Construction Building Products division provides the Titebond brand of glues, adhesives and sealants for use in woodworking and all facets of residential and commercial construction. Franklin International employs over 400 people in its laboratory, R&D center, sales/marketing offices and manufacturing facility, all located at its corporate headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. We are an American family-owned, U.S.-based company and our products sold in the U.S. are made in America.

Franklin International is proud of our family-friendly atmosphere. We are small enough that people know your name, but big enough to have the resources available to do amazing things within our industry. Our award-winning benefits program includes a wide range of benefits from medical, dental, and vision insurance to more unique options like a free on-site fitness center, nurse health coach, 529 Plan matching, and adoption support. Our average employee tenure is over twelve years; learn more at

Our Vision: To be the most trusted adhesion company in the world.

Other Benefits:

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance

On-site fitness center staffed by trainers

Company paid short term disability

401(k) with matching

529 savings matching

Tuition assistance

Student Loan Repayment Assistance

Paid Holidays

Free Franklin Merchandise

Other details

Job Family IS

Pay Type Salary

Employment Indicator Regular