Senior Controls Engineer – Embedded Customer SupportOverview

We are a national robotics and automation firm seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to serve as a full-time embedded resource at one of our largest customer accounts. This individual will act as the primary controls authority on-site and will be responsible for all automation projects and support activities the customer assigns.

This is a fast-paced, high-ownership role requiring strong technical expertise, urgency, and the ability to work independently while representing our company directly to the customer. The majority of work involves conveyor systems, ASRS equipment, and material handling automation.

Required Work Schedule:

• Night Shift 6PM to 6AM
• 2-2-3 biweekly schedule (2 days on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off)
• Every other weekend is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead and primary controls engineer embedded at a customer site.
• Own and execute all automation and controls projects assigned by the customer.
• Design, program, debug, and support PLC-based control systems for conveyor and ASRS equipment.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing automation systems to minimize downtime and improve performance.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot HMI and SCADA systems.
• Configure and integrate motion control systems, including servo motors, VFDs, and drives.
• Support commissioning, startups, upgrades, and system modifications.
• Create, review, and interpret electrical schematics and field wiring documentation.
• Program and troubleshoot robotic systems (FANUC preferred).
• Work with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet.
• Ensure systems comply with applicable industrial safety standards (ISO 13849, NFPA 79, UL 508A).
• Collaborate with customer stakeholders, mechanical engineers, electricians, and internal project teams.
• Provide clear technical communication and documentation to both the customer and internal teams.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong proficiency in PLC programming, primarily Allen‑Bradley and Siemens TIA portal.
• Extensive experience with conveyor systems, material handling automation.
• Experience with motion control systems, including servos, VFDs.
• Solid understanding of industrial sensors (photoelectric, inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic).
• Ability to read, modify, and create electrical schematics.
• Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in live production environments.
• Experience integrating machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, IRVision).
• Knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols:
• EtherNet/IP
• Modbus
• Profibus / DeviceNet
• No Travel required for this job

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Robotic programming experience (FANUC).
• SCADA development experience (Ignition, FactoryTalk View, Wonderware).
• Experience with SQL databases for industrial data collection.
• Familiarity with Python or C# for automation scripting.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Exposure to Industrial IoT (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Background in manufacturing, packaging, logistics, or distribution automation.

Work Environment & Expectations

• This role is primarily on-site at the customer facility as an embedded engineer.
• You will function as a trusted technical partner to the customer.
• No travel
• A strong sense of urgency, ownership, and professionalism is essential.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $95,000 – $140,000 per year (based on experience)
• Full-time, salaried position

Benefits Include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance starting the 1st of the month after hire
• Health Savings Account (HSA) option
• Generous paid time off (vacation and sick leave)
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Ongoing professional development opportunities

Why Join Us

We value teamwork, accountability, and technical excellence. If you enjoy taking ownership, working directly with customers, and solving complex automation challenges in real-world environments, this role offers long-term stability and impact.

Apply today to join a growing automation team supporting industry-leading systems.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• PLC Programming: 7 years (Required)
• FANUC robot programming: 4 years (Required)
• AutoCAD: 4 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Pay: $80,237.56 - $140,630.18 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• PLC Programming: 5 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Location:

• Durham, NC 27713 (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Durham, NC 27713 (Required)

Work Location: In person