Job Description

Controls Engineer

An established U.S. manufacturer is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to lead the technical delivery of sophisticated robotic automation equipment.
This position requires someone who can take responsibility for an entire robotic system—not simply write or modify robot code. The successful candidate will bring together robotics, PLC controls, end-of-arm tooling, machine vision, safety devices, material movement, communication networks, and recovery functions to create reliable production-ready equipment.
The engineer will remain closely involved throughout system development, installation, testing, commissioning, and final production launch.

Primary Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership for robotic automation projects from initial system definition through customer acceptance and production ramp-up.
Develop the overall controls and robotic architecture for automated cells and production equipment.
Coordinate the integration of robots, tooling, vision equipment, PLCs, safety components, material-handling devices, and plant networks.
Configure, program, test, and troubleshoot industrial robots from manufacturers such as FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa, or similar platforms.
Establish robot paths, coordinate frames, work zones, tooling functions, operating sequences, interlocks, and recovery routines.
Develop reliable communication between robots and PLC-based control systems, including I/O assignments, operating permissions, status signals, fault handling, and restart conditions.
Guide the development and verification of machine-safety architecture in accordance with applicable U.S. and international standards.
Participate in equipment risk assessments and support the documentation and validation of safety-related control functions.
Lead technical activities during equipment installation, debugging, commissioning, and startup.
Confirm that automated equipment meets established expectations for safety, throughput, cycle time, reliability, fault recovery, and operational readiness.
Diagnose problems involving robotics, electrical controls, safety hardware, tooling, fixtures, mechanical equipment, and manufacturing processes.
Serve as a senior technical resource for customers, equipment suppliers, outside integrators, contractors, and internal engineering groups.

Required Experience

At least eight years of experience involving industrial automation, controls engineering, robotic integration, or a closely related discipline.
Three or more years of direct, hands-on experience integrating industrial robots into automated equipment.
Previous involvement with at least one new or greenfield robotic automation installation.
Two or more years of practical PLC integration, programming, or troubleshooting experience within robotic systems.
Demonstrated success bringing complete automated production systems from engineering and assembly through commissioning and launch.
Working knowledge of industrial robot safety requirements, including ANSI/RIA R15.06 and applicable ANSI B11 standards.
Experience implementing, testing, commissioning, or validating safety-related machine controls.
Ability to troubleshoot issues across multiple disciplines rather than focusing solely on robot programming.

Technical Capabilities
Qualified candidates should have practical experience in several of the following areas:

Industrial robot setup and integration
End-of-arm tooling and automated part handling
Machine-vision applications
Robot positioning, frames, work zones, sequencing, and collision avoidance
PLC-controlled automation, preferably using Allen-Bradley platforms
Robot and PLC communication, status exchanges, interlocks, fault management, and controlled restart sequences
Safety PLCs, safety I/O, area scanners, light curtains, access controls, guarding, and monitored robotic zones
EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, IO-Link, or comparable industrial communication protocols
Equipment risk assessments and safe-state design
System validation, commissioning, and production-launch support

Additional Experience of Interest
Preference may be given to candidates with experience in:

Aerospace, defense, automotive, battery manufacturing, logistics automation, or other advanced manufacturing environments
Multi-robot work cells
Automated assembly, welding, dispensing, inspection, machine tending, or material-handling applications
Coordinating equipment builders, third-party integrators, contractors, or multidisciplinary engineering teams
SISTEMA analysis or Performance Level/Safety Integrity Level verification
Factory and site acceptance testing
Developing commissioning, validation, and equipment-acceptance plans

What Success Looks Like
The person selected for this position will:

Take ownership of complete robotic systems
Remain hands-on during installation and commissioning
Make sound technical decisions under startup pressure
Communicate effectively with customers and multidisciplinary teams
Accept responsibility for equipment safety, reliability, cycle performance, recovery, and readiness for production

About Candidates With a Future (CWF)

CONNECTING GREAT TALENT TO GREAT COMPANIES

Candidates With a Future is a women-owned recruitment company. Our company headquarters is located in Tampa Florida. CWF recruits for positions and companies throughout the United States. We specialize in Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing and Engineering positions throughout all verticals

Mission: We treat our clients and candidates with courtesy and integrity. Our firm guarantees efficient, honest recruitment services that achieve remarkable results.

Efficient, Honest Recruitment Services for Leading Corporations and Growing Businesses.

Industry

HR & Recruiting

Company Size

1-10 employees

Headquarters

Weeki Wachee, Florida

Year Founded

Unknown

Website

candidateswithafuture.com

Social Media