Job Shop is recruiting on behalf of a well-established manufacturing company seeking an experienced PLC Controls Engineer to join its engineering team.

Where: North Augusta, SC

Pay: $95K - $105 + 5% bonus

About the Opportunity

Job Shop is recruiting on behalf of a well-established manufacturing company seeking an experienced PLC Controls Engineer to join its engineering team. This role is responsible for designing, programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing industrial automation systems that support high-volume manufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC programming, HMI development, electrical controls, and automation, along with a passion for continuous improvement and solving complex technical challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Controls Design

• Design, develop, and modify PLC programs for new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• Create electrical control system designs for low-voltage, medium-voltage, and AC/DC applications.
• Develop electrical documentation including:
• Bills of Material (BOMs)
• Electrical schematics
• Wire and conduit schedules
• Control drawings
• Ensure designs meet engineering standards and project specifications.

PLC Programming & System Integration

• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs and variable frequency drives (VFDs), primarily Siemens platforms.
• Develop and maintain Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications.
• Configure industrial communication networks including:
• TCP/IP
• Profibus
• Profinet
• Perform I/O checkout, firmware updates, communication setup, and system commissioning.
• Support production startup following equipment installations and system upgrades.

Troubleshooting & Maintenance

• Diagnose and resolve automation, electrical, and control system issues.
• Perform preventive maintenance and scheduled system inspections.
• Bench test PLC hardware, drives, control modules, and related automation equipment.
• Provide technical support for a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
• Ensure systems comply with applicable safety and validation requirements.

Continuous Improvement

• Optimize PLC programs and control systems to improve equipment reliability and manufacturing efficiency.
• Lead automation upgrades for aging equipment and obsolete components.
• Partner with engineering and production teams to implement process improvements and automation enhancements.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, process, quality, and production teams.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to maintenance technicians and other team members.
• Assist with troubleshooting, training, and implementation of best practices.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent hands-on industrial automation experience will also be considered.

Experience

• Several years of PLC programming experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience developing and supporting HMI applications.
• Hands-on experience with Siemens automation platforms, including:
• Step 5
• SIMATIC Manager
• TIA Portal
• Experience commissioning industrial equipment and supporting manufacturing operations.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of PLC programming, including:
• Ladder Logic
• Function Block Diagrams
• Structured Text
• Understanding of industrial automation systems, electrical controls, sensors, actuators, and motor controls.
• Experience with industrial networking protocols including TCP/IP, Profibus, and Profinet.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Knowledge of machine safety standards, safety PLCs, and risk assessment practices.
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing industrial control systems.
• Experience working with automated manufacturing equipment and specialized machinery is highly preferred.

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative engineering team.
• Experience coaching or mentoring maintenance technicians is a plus.
• Detail-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.

DIRECT HIRE

EOE

NO FEES

Pay: $95,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Programmable logic controllers: 8 years (Required)
• HMI Software: 1 year (Preferred)
• Electrical troubleshooting: 8 years (Preferred)
• Blueprint reading: 8 years (Preferred)
• Electrical systems: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person