Controls Engineer PLC / Industrial Automation

Job Title: Controls Engineer – Vehicle Wash Systems (PLC / Industrial Automation)
Location: Cary, IL 60013 (On-site) | ~20% Travel (Overnight monthly)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Controls Engineer with strong PLC programming and hands-on mechanical aptitude to support the design, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automated vehicle wash systems. This role blends controls engineering, industrial automation, and mechanical system problem-solving in both office and field environments.

You will work on electro-mechanical systems involving pumps, conveyors, spray assemblies, and drive mechanisms—supporting projects from design through startup and ongoing service improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems for automated vehicle wash equipment
• Support projects from engineering design through installation, commissioning, and field startup
• Travel to customer sites (~20%) to assist with system commissioning, troubleshooting, and inspections
• Diagnose and resolve equipment issues with a strong focus on both electrical controls and mechanical root cause analysis
• Create and update AutoCAD drawings including mechanical layouts, electrical schematics, and control documentation
• Interpret mechanical prints, wiring diagrams, and equipment layouts to ensure proper system integration
• Collaborate with project managers, service teams, and sales engineering on project execution and technical support
• Support BOM creation, technical quotes, retrofit recommendations, and system upgrades
• Apply continuous improvement practices to enhance system reliability, performance, and serviceability

Required Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or OEM machine building
• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar)
• Hands-on experience with HMI development and industrial control systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude with ability to troubleshoot systems such as pumps, conveyors, spray systems, and drive assemblies
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar CAD tools for engineering documentation
• Background in electro-mechanical systems in manufacturing, packaging, material handling, or similar automated environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in field and production environments
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across engineering and service teams

Preferred Experience

• Prior exposure to vehicle wash systems or fluid-based automation equipment
• Experience in field commissioning, equipment startups, or customer-facing technical support
• Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices

Work Environment & Travel

• On-site role based in Cary, IL (60013)
• Approximately 20% travel (typically monthly overnight site visits)
• Local candidates within commuting distance are strongly preferred due to on-site requirements

Controls Engineer, PLC Programmer, Automation Engineer, Industrial Controls, HMI Programmer, Electro-Mechanical Engineer, Field Service Engineer, OEM Automation, Vehicle Wash Systems, Manufacturing Automation, AutoCAD Controls Engineer, Mechanical Troubleshooting, Industrial Equipment Commissioning