Job Description

Controls Engineer, Level 2/3

Axis Automation is looking for career-oriented Controls Engineers to join a dynamic, tight-knit team creating custom factory automation equipment. We're a company with big ambitions - plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement!

Axis leverages the teamwork of our leading engineers and machine builders to conceptualize, design, integrate, deploy and service factory automation systems for forward-thinking manufacturing customers. Our team has decades of automation experience, spanning hundreds of projects and thousands of automation configurations.

Position Description: Controls Engineers work with peer groups, Project Managers, Mechanical Engineers, Builders, Technicians and other personnel to design, implement and document control systems for various types of automation and robotic equipment. You will be personally involved with electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic system design, simulation, PLC, HMI, robotic and peripheral device programming, machine debug and validation / buyoff. Travel to customer sites for installation, startup, and support of equipment represents 10-20% of time.

Position Opportunity:

• Controls Engineer, Level 2/3: Minimum 2 years of experience in Controls Engineering and Controls Design, with recognized technical expertise, ability to lead larger projects, interface with customers, support other team members, and be a self-starter.

Responsibilities:

• Aid in the development of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic system designs of automated work cells.
• Implements tasks in PLC (ladder / basic structured text), HMI, and robot programs within established architecture and standards; performs I/O mapping, device setup, alarms/diagnostics, basic data handling.
• Interpret customer specifications and communicate effectively to produce machinery that meets both customer and Axis Automation specifications.
• Performs first-pass troubleshooting using schematics and code; documents findings and escalates with clear context.
• Adheres to code / electrical standards; keeps backups/change logs, I/O and tag maps, and manuals current for assigned scope.
• Assists with offline/online debug, device bring-up, FAT/SAT support, and on-site startup under supervision; follows test procedures and records results.
• Professional management of customer relationships and requests.
• Communicate with vendors to specify and source major purchased components.
• Works constructively with Mechanical, Electrical, Build and Project Management to resolve issues and protect milestones. 
• Champion Our Operating Principles: You will be expected to actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation. These principles are key to our culture and success.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related engineering field strongly preferred
• 2+ years’ experience in a Controls / automation focused role
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%-20%
• Technical Skills:
  • PLC: Writes and edits basic ladder routines (e.g., timers/counters, moves, interlocks), follows tag/architecture conventions; can read and make small edits in structured text under review.
  • HMI: Builds basic screens, alarms, diagnostics, and data displays; follows UX/tag standards and review feedback.
  • Robotics: Teaches points, sets tools/frames, jogs safely, adjusts simple paths; requests guidance for complex logic and coordinated motion.
  • Motion: Configures VFD parameters; assists with basic servo axis setup/homing and simple tuning under supervision.
  • Safety: Understands lockout/tagout and safety I/O fundamentals; performs functional checks and documentation under guidance to RIA/ANSI requirements.
  • Networking: Performs device/IP configuration and basic fieldbus diagnostics (e.g., Ethernet/IP) with checklists.
  • Simulation: Runs provided cell simulations and adjusts simple parameters; seeks review for collision/cycle-time conclusions.

Compensation Range: $75,000-$110,000

Benefits: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, HSA plan, LTD, STD, Life Insurance, 401(K) with employer match, Parental leave

Health Benefits are available to our employees with immediate eligibility upon hire

Senior Controls Engineer

Position Overview: The Senior Controls Engineer is a high-impact individual contributor who designs, programs, commissions, debugs, and deploys complex automation systems while informally mentoring junior engineers. A senior CE is capable of executing a project independently throughout the entire project life cycle. The role serves as a technical cornerstone on multi-million-dollar projects, owning electrical design, PLC/HMI/robot code, motion solutions, and safety compliance. This position reports directly to the Director of Engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develops PLC (ladder/structured text), HMI, simulations, and robot programs that meet cycle-time, quality, and safety targets.
- Simultaneously supports several projects that may be in different phases (design, build, debug, runoff) while maintaining task clarity and responsiveness.
- Drives assigned project segments from concept through runoff; maintains task lists, adheres to budgets, and supports on-site startup.
- Applies department coding/electrical standards and proposes incremental improvements for review by Technical Leads.
- Coaches Level 1-3 engineers during code reviews and debug, mentors interns and co‑ops on best practices, training, and overall workload, and delivers “lunch-and-learn” sessions as requested.
- Interfaces with Mechanical, Build, Electrical, and Project Management teams to align scope and resolve integration issues.
- Leads root-cause analysis on complex debug issues, escalating issues as needed.
- Presents technical details to customers, clarifies specifications, and works with vendors on component selection.

- Willing to travel approximately 10% - 20%. 

- Champion Our Operating Principles: You will be expected to actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation. These principles are key to our culture and success.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, or related engineering field preferred.
Experience: 5+ years in controls/automation, with multiple full-project life-cycles delivered.

Technical Skills:
- High-level competency in electrical and pneumatic schematics and safety-circuit design.
- Advanced proficiency in PLC ladder logic, structured text, and program execution.
- Solid robot programming across at least one major OEM; able to adjust paths and optimize cycle time.
- Builds and applies cell simulations to check collision risks, estimate cycle times, and correlate results with shop-floor performance.
- Competent with motion control (VFDs, servos, auxiliary robot axes).
- Able to validate hard-wired and programmable safety to RIA/ANSI standards.
- Experienced in HMI design across common environments (e.g., FactoryTalk View, Ignition).

Leadership: Provides informal leadership through mentoring, code reviews, and example-setting; may act as technical lead on small project teams.
Communication: Excellent communicator with project teams, cross-functional stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and junior engineers, translating technical details into clear, actionable information.
Problem-Solving: Recognized “go-to” troubleshooter in wiring, controls theory, program execution, and robotics; leverages data to drive solutions.
Teamwork: Sets the tone for collaboration—shares knowledge freely, steps in during crunch periods, and reinforces a culture of mutual support.
Reliability: Consistently meets deadlines, delivers thorough hand-offs, and upholds quality & safety standards without close supervision.

Estimated Total Compensation: $100,000-$125,000

Benefits: Axis offers a comprehensive benefits package to our employees with immediate eligibility upon hire.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Level 5 – Technical Lead Controls Engineer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                - Position Description -

Position Overview: The Technical Lead Controls Engineer is the department’s pinnacle technical role. This engineer designs and delivers complex automation cells (PLC/HMI/robot, motion, safety, electrical and pneumatic), establishes coding and hardware standards, and serves as the primary technical mentor for the Controls team. In addition to executing individual projects, the Technical Lead influences system-level architecture decisions, troubleshoots high-impact issues, and represents Controls Engineering in advanced customer and supplier discussions. This position reports directly to the Director of Engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architects and programs advanced control systems that meet or exceed performance, safety, cycle time, and quality targets.
• Manages multiple projects concurrently, drives schedules, leads design reviews, and coordinates cross‑functional debug/run‑off until customer buy‑off.
• Creates, publishes, and enforces departmental coding, HMI, and electrical standards; spearheads process improvements that raise efficiency and repeatability.
• Coaches Senior and mid‑level engineers, delivers technical training sessions, and guides interns and co‑ops on best practices.
• Presents simulations and designs, manages technical scope changes, and specifies key components with suppliers, maintaining professional, solution‑focused relationships.
• Institutionalizes the principles via standards, training, and architecture; sets the bar for quality and reuse; makes high-leverage, frugal decisions.
• Willing to travel approximately 10% - 20%.
• Champion Our Operating Principles: You will be expected to actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation. These principles are key to our culture and success.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, or related engineering field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 6 years in controls/automation with proven mastery of PLC, HMI, robot (online & offline), motion, and vision programming.
• Technical Skills:
  
  • Highest-level competency in electrical and pneumatic schematics and safety-circuit design.
  • Designs the most advanced digital twins and simulations, accurately verifying crash conditions and validating cycle times against real‑world performance.
  • In‑depth knowledge of PLC ladder logic, structured text, system architecture, and program execution optimization.
  • High‑level robotic programming proficiency across multiple robot manufacturers, including auxiliary and process‑oriented axes.
  • Proven track record of validated safety code and hard‑wired safety applications that meet or exceed current RIA/ANSI standards.
  • HMI design and programming expertise spanning multiple software environments.
  • Extensive experience with motion‑control systems such as VFDs, servo systems, and auxiliary positioning robot axes.
• Leadership: Documented track record of leading project teams, controls engineering contractors, internal mentorship, and elevating departmental standards through continuous‑improvement initiatives that elevate overall engineering quality.
• Communication: Communicates clearly with project teams, peers, cross‑functional groups, customers, and suppliers; regarded as an all‑around resource for anyone interacting with Axis Automation.
• Problem-Solving: Go‑to expert for troubleshooting across wiring, controls theory, program execution, robotics, and general automation.
• Teamwork: Models collaborative behavior by proactively sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues during crunch periods, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and high performance.
• Reliability: Demonstrates reliability through thorough hand‑offs, on‑time project delivery, and adherence to the highest standard of “right‑the‑first‑time” quality.

Estimated Total Compensation: $115,000-$140,000

Benefits: Axis offers a comprehensive benefits package to our employees with immediate eligibility upon hire.