Controls Engineers
Job Description
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Up to $160,000 annually (based on experience)
- Design and implement control systems for custom automation and robotic equipment
- Support rapid prototyping efforts using in-house fabricated parts
- Participate in machine risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards
- Review electrical schematics and support controls hardware architecture decisions
- Create application design documentation, flowcharts, and participate in software design reviews
- Program and configure automation systems including:
- PLCs
- HMIs / SCADA
- Servo systems
- Robotics
- Machine vision systems
- Test and verify electrical wiring (safety circuits, I/O, communications, etc.)
- Debug and validate software and hardware to meet performance and quality requirements
- Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers and assembly teams to ensure proper machine setup and alignment
- Execute acceptance testing and support equipment installation and integration at manufacturing facilities
- Travel up to 25–30% to support factory installations and system launches
- 1+ years of experience in custom automation or machine build environments
- PLC programming experience
- Siemens (preferred)
- Rockwell Automation (secondary)
- HMI / SCADA experience
- WinCC (preferred)
- Ignition (secondary)
- Experience with controls hardware including sensors, remote I/O, servos, VFDs, machine vision systems, barcode readers, and safety devices
- Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, TCP/IP, etc.)
- Robotics experience
- FANUC (preferred)
- KUKA (secondary)
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience
- Work on custom, one-of-a-kind automation systems—no cookie-cutter projects
- High ownership and visibility from concept through commissioning
- Collaborative engineering environment with strong technical talent
- Exposure to cutting-edge automation, robotics, and manufacturing technologies
- Base salary up to $160,000, depending on experience
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and holidays
- Additional benefits and perks discussed during the interview process
- on for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Meet Your Recruiter
Team Lead and Principal Recruiter
Ric is a Team Lead and Principal Recruiter at Sterling Engineering with more than a decade of technical recruiting experience, including over eight years with Sterling. In his role, he leads recruiting efforts while also working hands-on with clients and candidates throughout the full hiring process.
From sourcing hard-to-find technical talent to navigating offer negotiations, Ric focuses on creating strong, lasting matches that benefit both the individual and the organization. His approach is built on understanding technical environments, listening closely to hiring needs and career goals, and aligning the right people with the right opportunities.
Ric enjoys recruiting because of the meaningful impact it can have on someone’s career. Whether helping a candidate pursue a growth opportunity, improve work-life balance, or step into a leadership role, he is driven by the opportunity to support people through important career decisions. At the same time, he takes pride in helping companies build high-performing teams that move their business forward.