Controls Engineer

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and implement hardware and software control systems for high temperature, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and embedded controllers, to manage temperature, pressure, and vacuum parameters.
• Program control software using languages such as Ladder Logic, Function Blocks, Structured Text, and VBA to achieve precise process control and data logging.
• Integrate control systems with thermocouples, pressure sensors, vacuum pumps, gas delivery systems, and other specialized components.
• Design industrial control panels including schematics, layouts and BOMs to NFPA-79 and UL 508 standards using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Conduct system testing, commissioning, and validation to ensure furnaces meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve furnace system issues during design, manufacturing, and field deployment, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Optimize control algorithms for thermal profiles and process stability to enhance furnace performance and product quality.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, thermal process specialists, and project managers to align control systems with furnace design and customer specifications.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including test results, operation manuals, and maintenance procedures.
• Support field installations, provide on-site or remote technical support, and train clients on furnace operation and control system interfaces.
• Contribute to R&D efforts to innovate control solutions for next-generation vacuum furnace technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in controls engineering, ideally in thermal processing, vacuum systems, or OEM equipment manufacturing.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Eurotherm) and HMI/SCADA development (e.g., FactoryTalk SE, WinCC, Wonderware).
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, EtherNet/IP, ProfiNet, IOLink) and data acquisition systems.
• Knowledge of high-temperature process control, vacuum technology, or gas management systems is highly desirable.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong skills in electrical design software (AutoCAD Electrical).
• Familiarity with Electrical and Industry standards relating to vacuum furnace compliance (NFPA 79 & 86).
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex control system issues.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and technical discussions with clients.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines in a precision-driven industry.
• Preferred: Experience with motion control, PID tuning, thermal processing and gas control.