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CONTROLS ENGINEER - INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

(PLC / ROBOTICS) Sep 28, 2026

Columbus, IN Pay Rate :

$120,000.00 Controls Engineer -

Industrial Automation & Systems Integration Location:

Columbus, IN (On-Site)

Employment Type:

Full-Time | Direct Hire | Exempt Job Summary MS Companies is supporting a confidential industrial automation and custom equipment manufacturer seeking a Controls Engineer to join its growing engineering team in Columbus, Indiana. This is a hands-on engineering role focused on the design, programming, integration, startup, and commissioning of custom automated manufacturing equipment. Engineers in this position work throughout the entire equipment lifecycle—from concept and controls architecture through programming, debugging, runoff, installation, and customer acceptance. This is not a maintenance-focused position. The ideal candidate will have experience developing PLC and automation programs from scratch, integrating robotics and vision systems, supporting electrical design efforts, and bringing complex automation projects into operation. Candidates who enjoy solving challenging engineering problems and taking ownership of projects from concept through deployment will thrive in this environment. Required Skills & Qualifications

3+ years of Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, Systems Integration, or Machine Building experience

Demonstrated experience programming PLCs from scratch, including machine sequencing, logic development, safety integration, and commissioning

Strong experience with Allen-Bradley / ControlLogix PLC platforms

Experience with HMI development and operator interface programming

Experience integrating robotics, vision systems, sensors, barcode readers, and other automation technologies

Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and controls documentation

Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and system debugging abilities

Experience supporting equipment startup, commissioning, runoff, and customer acceptance activities

Strong communication and project collaboration skills

Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

Experience with Keyence and/or Cognex vision systems

Experience programming or integrating industrial robots and cobots

Experience with motion control systems and servo applications

Experience with SQL Server or database integration

Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical or similar design software

Experience supporting electrical panel design and field wiring integration

Exposure to material handling, assembly automation, testing systems, or custom manufacturing equipment

Experience supporting multiple automation platforms such as Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, Yaskawa, Keyence, or similar controls environments

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Develop and modify PLC programs for custom automated manufacturing systems

Create and support HMI applications and operator interfaces

Program and integrate robotics, vision systems, barcode readers, and automation peripherals

Support electrical system design, controls architecture, and panel integration activities

Perform system debugging, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis

Support machine startup, commissioning, runoff, installation, and customer acceptance testing

Collaborate with engineering, production, and project teams to ensure successful project execution

Develop technical documentation, training materials, and project records

Communicate project progress, technical findings, and recommendations to internal teams and customers

Support continuous improvement initiatives and engineering best practices

What We're Looking For We are seeking an engineer who can build automation solutions—not simply maintain existing equipment. Successful candidates will have experience creating PLC logic, developing machine sequences, integrating automation technologies, and bringing custom equipment into production. The ability to program, troubleshoot, and commission systems across multiple controls platforms is highly valued. Engineers who come from machine builders, systems integrators, custom automation companies, special machinery manufacturers, or advanced manufacturing environments are especially encouraged to apply. Physical & Work Environment Requirements Physical expectations and working conditions associated with the role may include standing, walking, climbing, bending, and working in industrial manufacturing environments. The position may require occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds and hands-on support during machine startup, commissioning, installation, and troubleshooting activities. Benefits & Culture

Full-time direct-hire opportunity

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits

Exposure to cutting-edge automation technologies

Opportunity to work on custom, non-repetitive engineering projects

Significant project ownership and technical growth potential

Collaborative engineering environment with direct impact on project success

Long-term career advancement opportunities within a growing organization INDQSS2