Senior Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer Axinova Inc. - Caldwell, ID $100,000-$125,000/year | Full-time | In-person Compensation and title based on experience and technical competencies. Build Custom Automation Systems Axinova is a robotic systems integrator specializing in custom automation solutions for the food and beverage industry. We design, build, program, and commission advanced secondary packaging systems including robotic case packing, palletizing, material handling, conveying, and other custom automation solutions for industrial customers across the United States. We are looking for an experienced Senior Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer who enjoys solving complex automation challenges and taking systems from concept through production and deployment. This is a hands-on role for someone who can take ownership of controls development, machine sequencing, HMI development, system integration, startup, and troubleshooting. You will work primarily with Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLC and HMI platforms while collaborating closely with robotics engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical designers, fabrication teams, and customers. Our systems also commonly integrate KUKA and ABB industrial robots , servo systems, VFDs, safety devices, vision systems, and other industrial automation equipment. Responsibilities Develop, program, and commission Allen-Bradley PLC-based automation systems Develop machine control architecture, sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and fault-handling strategies Program Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC platforms using Studio 5000 Develop and support HMI applications using Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms Develop structured, reusable PLC code for custom machine and robotic automation applications Develop and maintain PackML-style machine state models and equipment control sequences Integrate PLC systems with KUKA, ABB, and other industrial robotic platforms Configure and troubleshoot EtherNet/IP networks and industrial communication systems Integrate servo drives, VFDs, remote I/O, safety devices, barcode systems, vision systems, and other automation equipment Develop and troubleshoot machine safety systems, including safety PLC logic and CIP Safety applications Support robotic case packing, palletizing, conveying, material handling, and secondary packaging applications Perform controls checkout, machine startup, debugging, and system optimization Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), installation, and commissioning Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, networking, communication, and equipment integration issues Work closely with mechanical, electrical, robotic, and fabrication teams throughout system design and build Interface directly with customers during design reviews, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting Create and maintain PLC/HMI backups, documentation, troubleshooting information, and programming standards Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced controls engineers and programmers as needed A key expectation of this role is the ability to work within and help maintain Axinova's established controls programming standards, including PackML-based machine state architecture, standardized code structures, naming conventions, reusable logic, and HMI standards Required Qualifications Strong experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs using Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000 Experience with ControlLogix and/or CompactLogix platforms Strong understanding of industrial machine sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and fault recovery Experience developing and troubleshooting industrial HMI systems Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in industrial automation environments Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, I/O drawings, network drawings, and technical documentation Experience integrating PLC-controlled equipment with industrial devices and automation systems Understanding of industrial Ethernet networks and EtherNet/IP communications Ability to independently troubleshoot controls, electrical, and equipment integration issues Ability to work effectively with mechanical, electrical, robotics, fabrication, and field service teams Willingness to travel for installation, startup, and commissioning projects Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills Preferred Qualifications 5+ years of industrial PLC programming and controls engineering experience Advanced Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 programming experience Experience with Rockwell FactoryTalk View ME and/or SE Experience developing PackML or similar state-machine-based control architectures Experience with GuardLogix, CIP Safety, and machine safety systems Experience configuring and troubleshooting EtherNet/IP networks Experience with Allen-Bradley PowerFlex VFDs and Kinetix servo systems Experience integrating industrial robots with PLC-controlled automation systems Familiarity with KUKA and/or ABB industrial robots Experience with robotic palletizing, case packing, conveying, and material handling systems Experience integrating vision systems, barcode readers, checkweighers, printers, scanners, or similar production equipment Experience with coordinated motion or servo-based machine control Experience developing reusable PLC libraries, AOIs, UDTs, and standardized programming structures Experience with field startup and commissioning of custom automation equipment Experience in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or secondary packaging automation Familiarity with applicable machine safety standards and risk assessment practices Travel Expectations This position includes travel for system installation, startup, troubleshooting, and commissioning. Typical travel ranges from approximately 20-40% depending on project phase . Some periods may require increased travel during active customer deployments.

Axinova currently offers:

Travel pay Per diem pay Company-covered travel expenses We work to provide advance scheduling and maintain work-life balance whenever possible. Compensation $100,000-$125,000 annually, based on competency and experience Overtime opportunities during commissioning and field startup Growth opportunities within a rapidly growing automation company Benefits Medical insurance fully covered for employees and spouses Dental & vision insurance fully covered for employees and spouses Flexible PTO policy and paid holidays 401(k) with 4% company match (fully vested) Employer-paid life & AD&D insurance Optional supplemental insurance plans available Why Join Axinova? Take ownership of controls development for complete custom automation systems Work on projects from initial design and programming through final commissioning Develop advanced automation for real-world food and beverage production environments Work with Allen-Bradley controls alongside KUKA and ABB robotic systems Hands-on engineering environment with significant technical variety Opportunity to help develop and improve company-wide controls standards and programming practices Direct impact on machine performance, project success, and customer operations Opportunity to grow with an expanding automation integrator Learn more about

Axinova and Velec Group:

www.axinova.us www.velecgroup.com/en/

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person

Pay:

$100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person