Controls Engineer – Industrial Automation

Position Overview

We are seeking a Controls Engineer Vehicle Wash Systems to support the design programming commissioning and ongoing improvement of automated vehicle wash equipment. This role blends PLC controls engineering with strong mechanical troubleshooting ability requiring hands-on involvement across mechanical electrical and software systems.

You will work on small to mid-sized automation projects from design through field startup ensuring reliable performance of integrated electro-mechanical wash systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design program modify and troubleshoot PLC and HMI control systems for automated vehicle wash equipment
• Support projects from engineering design through field commissioning and startup
• Travel to customer sites (20% typically monthly overnight trips) for installations troubleshooting and system validation
• Diagnose system failures with a strong emphasis on mechanical root-cause analysis (pumps conveyors spray systems drives)
• Create and update AutoCAD drawings including mechanical layouts electrical schematics and control documentation
• Interpret mechanical prints wiring diagrams and system blueprints to ensure correct system integration
• Collaborate with project managers service and sales teams on design feasibility cost and performance improvements
• Support BOM creation technical quotes and upgrade/rebuild recommendations
• Apply continuous improvement and lean principles to improve system reliability and serviceability

Required Qualifications

• 5 years in industrial automation/controls engineering with electro-mechanical systems
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming HMI development and troubleshooting
• Proven ability to diagnose mechanical system issues (pumps conveyors spray assemblies drive mechanisms)
• Experience reading and interpreting mechanical drawings electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
• Proficiency in AutoCAD (or similar CAD tools) for mechanical and electrical documentation
• Background in OEM machinery material handling packaging manufacturing automation or similar environments
• Strong analytical and field troubleshooting skills with hands-on commissioning experience
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred Experience

• Allen-Bradley Siemens or Mitsubishi PLC platforms (programming & troubleshooting)
• HMI development and operator interface design
• Experience in wash systems fluid handling or spray-based automation (car wash industrial wash lines food/beverage wastewater systems)

Why This Role

Join an industry leader in automated vehicle wash systems where mechanical design electrical engineering and PLC automation come together. This role offers hands-on technical work field exposure and direct impact on system performance and customer success.