Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Location: Lafayette IN

Duration: Long Term

Client : CAT

Job Description

Automation & Controls Support

• Troubleshoot, maintain, and enhance manufacturing automation systems utilizing Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, including PLC-5, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs using IEC 61131-3 programming languages, including Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Ensure manufacturing system software, configuration files, and documentation are properly version-controlled and maintained.
• Implement automation solutions that are organized, structured, maintainable, reusable, and well documented.

Industrial Equipment Optimization

• Troubleshoot and optimize Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to improve machine usability, operator efficiency, and system performance.
• Perform troubleshooting and programming of motion control systems, including Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), servo drives, and Kinetix motion platforms.
• Tune motion systems to minimize vibration, noise, and performance issues while ensuring reliable machine operation.

Robotics & Vision Systems

• Program, troubleshoot, and support industrial robotic systems, preferably ABB and FANUC platforms.
• Diagnose issues involving robotic end-of-arm tooling and automated manufacturing cells.
• Support machine vision systems, including tuning and adjustment under varying lighting conditions to maintain equipment performance and quality standards.

Industrial Networks & Safety Systems

• Troubleshoot industrial communication networks and remote I/O systems, including EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, and IO-Link.
• Support programmable safety devices and systems, including area scanners, light curtains, and safety logic controllers.
• Ensure automation systems comply with machine safety requirements and established standards.

Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with maintenance and manufacturing teams to investigate equipment downtime events and determine root causes.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve system reliability.
• Share lessons learned and standardized solutions to prevent recurring failures.
• Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).
• Hands-on troubleshooting and programming experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs (PLC-5, CompactLogix, ControlLogix).
• Strong knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming standards.
• Experience supporting manufacturing automation systems, including:
• PLCs & HMIs
• Industrial networks
• Motion control systems
• Robotics
• SCADA/MES interfaces
• Expertise in troubleshooting and tuning VFDs and servo motion systems .
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols ( EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, IO-Link ).
• Experience with machine safety systems and programmable safety devices.
• Industrial robotics programming/troubleshooting experience, preferably ABB and FANUC .
• Strong root-cause analysis, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Shift: 1st shift, supporting 3rd shift may need to be open to coming in on off shift or on call. Onsite in Lafayette.

Must Have’s:

• Allen bradley
• Strong troubleshooting with Allen Bradley

Nice to Have:

• siemens