Controls & Automation Engineer

Mach10 Solutions

Lugoff, SC

Pay: $37-$53/hr

Shift: Full time

**Controls & Automation Engineer**

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**Location:** Lugoff, South Carolina

**Compensation:** $85,000 – $95,000

**Schedule:** Full-Time | On-Site

**About the Role**

We are seeking a dedicated Controls & Automation Engineer to join our manufacturing facility in Lugoff, South Carolina. This role offers a unique chance to shape our automation strategy through direct involvement with our production systems.

You will be responsible for enhancing the reliability of current equipment while spearheading upgrades that boost safety, quality, and output. Your expertise will span the entire automation landscape, including PLCs, robotics, HMIs, machine vision, and safety protocols. We are looking for a proactive engineer who thrives on the plant floor, enjoys complex troubleshooting, and manages projects from initial concept to final production.

**Your Responsibilities**

• Diagnose and resolve issues with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and automated systems.
• Help maintain a stable production environment by identifying and permanently fixing recurring control issues.
• Modernize outdated or unreliable automation to reduce reliance on manual interventions.
• Create and update PLC and HMI software.
• Utilize ladder logic, structured text, and other industrial programming languages.
• Design machine sequences, alarm systems, and fault recovery logic to ensure operational efficiency.
• Integrate diverse hardware including sensors, drives, cameras, and cobots.
• Configure vision systems to ensure high-quality inspection and precise recipe management.
• Program and deploy industrial robots and collaborative robotic systems.
• Support critical applications like robotic welding, material handling, and fixture verification to improve throughput.
• Ensure seamless communication across all PLCs, robots, and safety systems.
• Enhance workplace safety through rigorous risk assessments and control implementations.
• Develop custom scripts or interfaces to bridge gaps in standard automation software.
• Assess current equipment to determine the best path for upgrades or replacements.
• Lead the development of new automated cells from initial design through to commissioning.
• Oversee the installation, debugging, and launch of new equipment.
• Manage external vendors and system integrators to ensure project success.
• Validate that new equipment meets performance standards under real-world conditions.
• Establish standardized controls for programming, hardware, and documentation.
• Maintain comprehensive records of electrical schematics, source files, and system backups.
• Provide training to maintenance and production staff on updated equipment.

**Required Qualifications**

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in industrial automation or controls.
• Demonstrated proficiency in PLC and HMI programming.
• Extensive experience with hands-on commissioning and troubleshooting on the plant floor.
• Proven track record of integrating industrial robots or cobots.
• Working knowledge of machine vision technology.
• Experience with electrical controls, drives, sensors, and pneumatics.
• Understanding of industrial safety circuits and machine safety standards.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis to help minimize equipment downtime.
• Experience developing custom logic or interfaces using scripting languages.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration across Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality departments.

**Relevant Technology Experience**

Familiarity with the following platforms is highly desirable:

**PLC & Controls**

• Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
• Siemens
• Mitsubishi
• AutomationDirect

**Robotics**

* FANUC

• ABB
• Yaskawa / Motoman
• OTC
• Universal Robots
• Other industrial robot or cobot platforms

**Machine Vision**

• Cognex

* KEYENCE

• SICK

Experience with welding, brake presses, conveyors, paint/coating processes, motion control, fixtures, inspection, or material handling is a significant plus.

**The Ideal Candidate**

We are looking for an engineer who takes ownership of automation challenges rather than just maintaining the status quo. Your daily tasks will vary between diagnosing faults, optimizing diagnostics, and engineering new automated cells. You should be comfortable balancing hands-on troubleshooting with long-term project management, working closely with our production and maintenance teams.

**Work Environment**

• Role is based entirely on-site in Lugoff, South Carolina.
• Operates within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Primary duties are performed on the plant floor.
• Flexibility for occasional after-hours or weekend support is required for project launches or urgent repairs.
• Must be committed to maintaining a safe environment around automated machinery.

**Compensation & Benefits**

Annual salary range of $85,000 – $95,000, commen