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 mechanismssupporting 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

• 35 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