Junior Controls Engineer

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer, entry level, supports the configuration, programming, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of industrial control systems, automated visual inspection (AVI) systems, and machine vision equipment used in manufacturing operations. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, this role applies foundational knowledge of controls, electronics, programming, and computer science to improve equipment reliability, inspection performance, data integrity, and production efficiency.

Job Responsibilities

• Support the programming, configuration, testing, and maintenance of programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, industrial computers, and related control equipment.
• Assist with the setup, calibration, optimization, and validation of automated visual inspection and machine vision systems.
• Review images, inspection results, alarms, system logs, and production data to identify defects, equipment faults, and improvement opportunities
• Support integration among AVI equipment, machine vision software, PLCs, and manufacturing systems.
• Document software revisions, control configurations, test results, troubleshooting activities, and technical findings.
• Work closely with validation and quality to determine the boundaries between accept and reject product.
• Continuously improve the vision system applications to improve defect detectability while also reducing the percent of false rejects.
• Create and update standard operating procedures, work instructions, electrical documentation, and training materials.
• Participate in change controls, corrective actions, preventive maintenance, backups, and continuous improvement projects.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, IT, Maintenance, and equipment vendors to resolve technical issues
• Follow current Good Manufacturing Practices, data integrity requirements, cybersecurity practices, safety procedures, and Good Documentation Practices
• Other duties and tasks assigned by management.

Required Skills

• Foundational knowledge of industrial controls, automation, PLCs, human-machine interfaces, and input/output systems
• Foundational knowledge of machine vision concepts, including cameras, lenses, lighting, image acquisition, inspection tools, and defect detection
• Understanding of electronics, digital and analog circuits, sensors, control panels, and computer hardware
• Understanding of computer science concepts, including software logic, data structures, databases, operating systems, and networking fundamentals
• Ability to read basic electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control narratives, technical drawings, and equipment manuals
• Ability to troubleshoot methodically, analyze data, document findings, and follow technical problems through resolution
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols, SQL, version control, robotics, or machine vision software is preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across technical disciplines
• Ability to learn regulated manufacturing practices, including current Good Manufacturing Practices, data integrity, change control, and cybersecurity requirements

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related technical field; equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered
• Zero to two years of relevant experience, including internships, co-op assignments, academic projects, laboratory work, or entry-level technical employment
• Coursework or project experience involving PLC programming, industrial automation, electronics, embedded systems, machine vision, robotics, or computer-based controls is preferred
• Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment is helpful but not required