job title: controls engineer

location: lafayette in

duration: long term

client : cat

job description

automation & controls support

- troubleshoot, maintain, and enhance manufacturing automation systems utilizing allen-bradley plc platforms, including plc-5, compactlogix, and controllogix.
- develop, modify, and maintain plc programs using iec 61131-3 programming languages, including ladder logic and structured text.
- ensure manufacturing system software, configuration files, and documentation are properly version-controlled and maintained.
- implement automation solutions that are organized, structured, maintainable, reusable, and well documented.

industrial equipment optimization

- troubleshoot and optimize human machine interfaces (hmis) to improve machine usability, operator efficiency, and system performance.
- perform troubleshooting and programming of motion control systems, including variable frequency drives (vfds), servo drives, and kinetix motion platforms.
- tune motion systems to minimize vibration, noise, and performance issues while ensuring reliable machine operation.

robotics & vision systems

- program, troubleshoot, and support industrial robotic systems, preferably abb and fanuc platforms.
- diagnose issues involving robotic end-of-arm tooling and automated manufacturing cells.
- support machine vision systems, including tuning and adjustment under varying lighting conditions to maintain equipment performance and quality standards.

industrial networks & safety systems

- troubleshoot industrial communication networks and remote i/o systems, including ethernet/ip, devicenet, and io-link.
- support programmable safety devices and systems, including area scanners, light curtains,



and safety logic controllers.
- ensure automation systems comply with machine safety requirements and established standards.

maintenance & continuous improvement

- partner with maintenance and manufacturing teams to investigate equipment downtime events and determine root causes.
- develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve system reliability.
- share lessons learned and standardized solutions to prevent recurring failures.
- support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.

required qualifications

- bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).
- hands-on troubleshooting and programming experience with allen-bradley plcs (plc-5, compactlogix, controllogix).
- strong knowledge of iec 61131-3 programming standards.
- experience supporting manufacturing automation systems, including:
- plcs & hmis
- industrial networks
- motion control systems
- robotics
- scada/mes interfaces
- expertise in troubleshooting and tuning vfds and servo motion systems .
- knowledge of industrial communication protocols ( ethernet/ip, devicenet, io-link ).
- experience with machine safety systems and programmable safety devices.
- industrial robotics programming/troubleshooting experience, preferably abb and fanuc .
- strong root-cause analysis, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

shift: 1st shift, supporting 3rd shift may need to be open to coming in on off shift or on call. Onsite in lafayette.

must have’s:

- allen bradley
- strong troubleshooting with allen bradley

nice to have:

- siemens

📌 Controls engineer (Xico)
🏢 Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group
📍 Xico