Automation Control Engineer (Fort Smith)
Hunter Recruiting, Fort Smith, AR, United States
Automation & Controls Engineer Overview
This role supports manufacturing operations by maintaining, improving, and implementing automation and control systems. The engineer will work hands-on with technologies such as PLCs, HMIs, drives, robotics, instrumentation, and safety systems to resolve issues and enhance performance. In addition to troubleshooting, this position plays a key role in driving improvements by scoping projects, estimating costs, and delivering control system upgrades that increase efficiency and reliability.
Automation & Controls Engineer Responsibilities
Prioritize safety in all tasks while maintaining a strong sense of urgency and service to internal stakeholders
Diagnose and resolve issues across control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, drives, safety components, and industrial networks using appropriate software and schematics
Investigate equipment and process failures to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions
Develop and execute control system upgrades, including creating electrical drawings, selecting components, updating logic, and overseeing system startup
Improve system performance by adjusting control strategies and refining electrical designs
Configure and manage data within control systems to support operational reporting and analytics
Lead automation-related projects from concept through completion, including system upgrades and retrofits
Partner with cross-functional teams (operations, maintenance, environmental, engineering) to support plant objectives
Maintain clear and organized documentation, including backups of control programs
Provide training to maintenance and operations teams on new equipment and system updates
Contribute to failure analysis efforts and develop quick-reference training materials (e.g., one-point lessons)
Support reliability-focused initiatives and continuous improvement programs
Participate in and help drive total productive maintenance (TPM) efforts
Follow established change management procedures when implementing system modifications
Automation & Controls Engineer Qualifications
3+ years of experience working with industrial automation and PLC-based control systems
Strong PLC programming skills (Siemens experience preferred)
Experience with Allen-Bradley hardware and software
Proficiency in developing electrical schematics using AutoCAD or similar tools
Familiarity with drives, HMIs, robotics, and converting/packaging equipment
Understanding of industrial Ethernet networks and control system communication
Knowledge of electrical systems ranging from low voltage controls up to 480V
Working knowledge of OSHA, NFPA, NEC, and ANSI standards
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field (preferred)
Certifications in machine safety or automation technologies (a plus)
Experience with electrical power system design and maintenance (nice to have)
This role supports manufacturing operations by maintaining, improving, and implementing automation and control systems. The engineer will work hands-on with technologies such as PLCs, HMIs, drives, robotics, instrumentation, and safety systems to resolve issues and enhance performance. In addition to troubleshooting, this position plays a key role in driving improvements by scoping projects, estimating costs, and delivering control system upgrades that increase efficiency and reliability.
Automation & Controls Engineer Responsibilities
Prioritize safety in all tasks while maintaining a strong sense of urgency and service to internal stakeholders
Diagnose and resolve issues across control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, drives, safety components, and industrial networks using appropriate software and schematics
Investigate equipment and process failures to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions
Develop and execute control system upgrades, including creating electrical drawings, selecting components, updating logic, and overseeing system startup
Improve system performance by adjusting control strategies and refining electrical designs
Configure and manage data within control systems to support operational reporting and analytics
Lead automation-related projects from concept through completion, including system upgrades and retrofits
Partner with cross-functional teams (operations, maintenance, environmental, engineering) to support plant objectives
Maintain clear and organized documentation, including backups of control programs
Provide training to maintenance and operations teams on new equipment and system updates
Contribute to failure analysis efforts and develop quick-reference training materials (e.g., one-point lessons)
Support reliability-focused initiatives and continuous improvement programs
Participate in and help drive total productive maintenance (TPM) efforts
Follow established change management procedures when implementing system modifications
Automation & Controls Engineer Qualifications
3+ years of experience working with industrial automation and PLC-based control systems
Strong PLC programming skills (Siemens experience preferred)
Experience with Allen-Bradley hardware and software
Proficiency in developing electrical schematics using AutoCAD or similar tools
Familiarity with drives, HMIs, robotics, and converting/packaging equipment
Understanding of industrial Ethernet networks and control system communication
Knowledge of electrical systems ranging from low voltage controls up to 480V
Working knowledge of OSHA, NFPA, NEC, and ANSI standards
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field (preferred)
Certifications in machine safety or automation technologies (a plus)
Experience with electrical power system design and maintenance (nice to have)