Controls Engineer

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Job Type: Direct Hire

Schedule: 2nd Shift, 7:00 PM - 4:00 AM

Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite

Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 annually

Job Summary: We are seeking a Controls Engineer to join a manufacturing team in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing controls systems to reduce equipment downtime, improve production efficiency, and support continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have experience working closely with plant maintenance teams and supporting automated production systems.

Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement software and hardware modifications to improve equipment performance, quality, and efficiency. Troubleshoot, maintain, and program PLC systems to resolve production issues and minimize downtime. Support automated manufacturing equipment, including robotics, HMIs, and vision systems. Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, production, and quality teams to optimize manufacturing operations. Coordinate activities with contractors, vendors, and suppliers as needed. Maintain accurate documentation, including machine parameters, programming changes, equipment records, drawings, manuals, and preventive maintenance documentation. Manage inventory of critical spare parts and supplies to support uninterrupted production. Participate in equipment launches, process improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949 requirements. Provide maintenance team support and leadership coverage when necessary.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.5-6 years of manufacturing engineering experience in an industrial production environment. Experience working with plant maintenance teams and automated manufacturing systems. Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, including:

Control: LogixCompactLogixMicroLogixAbility to read, troubleshoot, and modify ladder logic programs. Experience programming and supporting HMI systems, including PanelView. Experience with FANUC robotics; ABB robotics experience is a plus. Experience with industrial automation, controls integration, and vision systems. Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with Siemens PLC programming. Experience with electric torque control systems such as Atlas Copco or Stanley tools. Experience leading maintenance activities or supporting maintenance personnel. Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking abilities. Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a high-volume manufacturing environment.