Controls & Automation Engineer

Location: North Little Rock, AR

Industry: Manufacturing

Position Type: Full-Time

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Controls & Automation Engineer to join a manufacturing operation in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineering professional who enjoys designing automated systems, programming PLCs, solving complex equipment challenges, and leading automation projects from concept through commissioning.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC programming, industrial automation, electrical controls design, and manufacturing equipment integration, along with the ability to develop reliable automation solutions that improve productivity and reduce equipment downtime.

This position combines hands-on technical engineering with project leadership and offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, program, and implement industrial control and automation systems for manufacturing equipment.
Develop, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC, HMI, motion-control, robotics, and machine-vision applications.
Create and maintain electrical schematics, control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, network diagrams, and technical documentation.
Lead automation projects from initial design and specification through installation, commissioning, and production start-up.
Develop and maintain controls architecture, programming standards, equipment specifications, and automation best practices.
Troubleshoot complex electrical and controls issues and provide advanced technical support to maintenance and production teams.
Program and integrate PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo drives, industrial networks, and related automation equipment.
Work with machine builders, equipment suppliers, and systems integrators on new equipment and automation upgrades.
Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), equipment commissioning, and production launches.
Identify recurring equipment problems and implement permanent corrective actions to improve reliability and minimize downtime.
Develop and maintain PLC program backups, version control, engineering documentation, and change-management procedures.
Collaborate with maintenance, production, engineering, and IT teams to integrate automation systems with plant operations.
Support machine safety, industrial network security, and compliance with applicable electrical and automation standards.
Provide technical guidance and training to controls technicians and maintenance personnel.

Required Qualifications

10+ years of experience designing, programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning industrial control and automation systems, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming and HMI development in a manufacturing environment.
Experience designing industrial electrical control systems and creating electrical schematics.
Strong knowledge of motor controls, VFDs, servo systems, industrial networks, sensors, instrumentation, and machine safety circuits.
Experience managing automation projects from design through installation, commissioning, and production turnover.
Ability to troubleshoot complex electrical and automation problems and perform root-cause analysis.
Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems and control panel design.
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. Significant directly relevant engineering experience may be considered in place of a degree.
Willingness to work directly on the manufacturing floor when supporting equipment installations, troubleshooting, and production operations.

Preferred Qualifications

Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation experience, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk.
Experience with industrial robotics, servo motion, machine vision, and automated production systems.
Familiarity with industrial Ethernet, OPC UA, SQL, data collection, and manufacturing-system integration.
Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design software.
Background developing PLC programming standards, reusable control architectures, and equipment specifications.
Experience supporting metal stamping, injection molding, automated assembly, packaging, conveying, or material-handling equipment.
Experience working with outside machine builders and automation integrators.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

We're looking for more than someone who can troubleshoot a PLC.

The successful candidate will be an experienced automation engineer who can design control systems, write and modify PLC programs, develop electrical drawings, lead automation projects, and solve complex manufacturing equipment problems.

You should be comfortable taking ownership of automation projects while remaining hands-on with equipment and supporting maintenance and production teams.

Strong communication skills, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to develop practical, reliable automation solutions are essential.

Work Environment

This position involves working in both an engineering office and an active manufacturing environment. Occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds and physical activity associated with equipment inspections, commissioning, and troubleshooting may be required. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, or Electrical Controls Engineer with strong PLC programming and industrial automation experience, we encourage you to apply.

Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas

Apply today to learn more about this opportunity!

You should be proficient in:

Electrical Controls Design
HMI Development
Industrial Automation
Motor Controls
PLC Programming
Servo Systems
VFDs
Machine Safety