Automation Controls Engineer

About the role

The role centers on automation controls engineering for manufacturing operations. Professionals execute design, programming, and support activities to ensure production reliability and efficiency.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

Development and programming of PLC, HMI, and motion control systems across platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens advance operational capabilities.

Creation and maintenance of electrical schematics, control narratives, and functional specifications document system intent and support future work. System integration and support during installation, commissioning, and startup aligns equipment readiness with production schedules. Collaboration with vendors and integrators throughout system builds, FAT, and site acceptance ensures alignment across partners.

Diagnosis and resolution of controls-related issues on the production floor reduce interruptions and sustain throughput. Implementation and maintenance of safety systems in compliance with standards protect personnel and equipment.

Participation in process improvements and equipment upgrades incorporates practical insights into system enhancements.

Collaboration with manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams resolves automation-related issues effectively. Support for technicians and operators addresses technical barriers and maintains productivity.

Requirements

A B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering (or equivalent experience) is mandatory. 3-7+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering is mandatory. Experience with at least one PLC platform, such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens, is mandatory. Familiarity with industrial robotics and automated systems is mandatory. Basic understanding of industrial networking and communication protocols is mandatory.

Practical notes

Work is based in Dallas, Texas under a contract engagement with a requirement for a bachelor's degree and 7+ years of relevant experience. Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Industrial automation work frequently relies on ladder logic and function block methods executed within vendor-specific environments. Engineers use software tools to simulate, test, and validate control strategies before deployment. Communication protocols facilitate information exchange between field devices and higher-level supervisory systems. Robotic systems demand integration effort and ongoing support to achieve consistent throughput. Safety systems must satisfy recognized standards to ensure dependable protection for people and machinery.

Questions to ask

Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.