Automation Controls Engineer

At Steven Douglas Corp. (SDC), we design, engineer, and build custom automation systems that solve complex manufacturing challenges for customers across medical, consumer products, industrial, automotive, and other industries.

No two projects are the same. Our engineers work on high-performance custom equipment from concept through startup, solving new technical challenges every day instead of maintaining the same production line. If you enjoy building machines from the ground up, collaborating with a talented team, and seeing your work come to life on the customer's floor, we'd love to talk with you.

Priority Technical Skills

We’re looking for engineers who are strong in both of the following areas and can walk us through specific machines where they did this work.

• Writing PLC code from scratch: Proven ability to take a new machine from a blank Studio 5000 project to a fully working program, including program structure (tasks, routines, UDTs, and Add-On Instructions), machine sequencing and state logic, fault and alarm handling, and I/O mapping. Experience limited to modifying or troubleshooting existing code is not sufficient for this role.
• Programming and integrating servo motors: Hands-on experience configuring, programming, tuning, and commissioning servo axes (e.g., Allen-Bradley Kinetix), including drive and motor setup, homing, motion instructions, and integrating servo motion with machine logic and safety over EtherNet/IP.

Relocation assistance available.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

• 5–10 years of hands-on controls engineering experience designing custom industrial machinery or complex automated systems.
• Experience designing electrical control systems, including electrical schematics, panel layouts, and I/O lists using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software.
• Strong PLC and HMI programming experience, primarily Allen-Bradley (Compact GuardLogix, ControlLogix, GuardLogix, PanelView, FactoryTalk View, or similar platforms).
• Experience with complex motion control beyond basic servo integration, including coordinated multi-axis motion, electronic gearing and camming, and high-speed automation.
• Experience leading controls work through the complete project lifecycle—from concept and design reviews through programming, debug, machine runoff, customer FAT, installation, and startup.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent hands-on industry experience.

This position is best suited for engineers who have designed and commissioned new automation equipment. While maintenance and manufacturing experience is valuable, this role focuses on creating new machines—and the PLC programs that run them—from the ground up.

Nice to Have

• Experience integrating industrial robots such as FANUC, Yaskawa, Epson, ABB, or similar platforms.
• Experience with industrial vision systems including Cognex, Keyence, or equivalent technologies.
• Familiarity with C# or other object-oriented programming languages.
• Experience with Ignition, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Beckhoff, or other industrial controls platforms.
• Knowledge of industrial safety systems, functional safety, and machine risk assessments.

 What You’ll Do

• Own the controls portion of multiple automation projects from concept through customer acceptance.
• Define control architectures alongside mechanical and electrical engineers to develop reliable, maintainable automation systems.
• Develop, test, and debug PLC, HMI, motion control, and safety programs using standardized, scalable programming practices.
• Size, configure, program, and tune servo axes, and integrate them with machine sequencing, safety, and HMI.
• Lead controls debug during panel build, machine assembly, runoff, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), installation, and startup.
• Work directly with customers during design reviews, FATs, startups, and technical discussions.
• Collaborate daily with Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Assembly, Project Management, Purchasing, and Service to deliver successful projects.
• Apply and continuously improve SDC's controls standards, reusable code libraries, and engineering best practices.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues using a calm, systematic, root-cause approach.
• Work with modern automation technologies including robotics, machine vision, servo motion, industrial networking, and advanced manufacturing software.
• Travel approximately 10% to support customer startups and project implementation.

What Success Looks Like

• Successful Controls Engineers at SDC:
• Deliver reliable, maintainable control systems that perform as designed.
• Complete projects on schedule while maintaining high engineering quality.
• Build strong working relationships with customers and teammates.
• Continuously improve engineering standards, documentation, and reusable controls libraries.
• Help make every machine better than the last.

What We Expect From Everyone at SDC

• Every role at SDC is built on a shared set of expectations that define how we work together.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability in everything you do.
• Treat coworkers, customers, suppliers, and partners with respect.
• Communicate openly and collaboratively across all departments.
• Take ownership by identifying issues early, proposing solutions, and following through.
• Adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a positive, team-first attitude.
• Produce high-quality, detail-oriented work that supports safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Be dependable, willing to learn, and ready to support teammates whenever needed.
• Contribute to a workplace built on trust, teamwork, and shared success.

Why Join Steven Douglas Corp.?

• Work on challenging, custom automation projects—not repetitive production support.
• Collaborate with an experienced team of engineers, machinists, electricians, assemblers, and project managers.
• See your designs come to life from concept through customer startup.
• Help shape engineering standards and influence how future machines are built.
• Grow your technical skills while working with robotics, vision systems, servo motion, AI-enabled inspection, and advanced automation technologies.
• Join a stable, family-owned company committed to long-term growth, innovation, and investing in its people.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Performance-based incentive opportunities.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with supplemental coverage options.
• Company-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401(k) with a 4% employer match per pay period.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 company-paid holidays.
• Ongoing opportunities for professional development and career growth.