Position Title: Automation Controls Engineer
Department: Manufacturing
Location: Brooklyn, OH
Reports To: Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Classification: Salaried - Exempt
Position Summary:Sherwood Valve, a Control Devices company, is seeking a hands-on Automation Controls Engineer to design, program, install, troubleshoot, and improve automation equipment across its manufacturing operations. This is a technical position for an engineer who enjoys working directly with PLCs, HMIs, robotic cells, production equipment, and plant teams. The engineer will take solutions from concept through programming, testing, commissioning, and ongoing production support.
Essential Job Duties:- Write, modify, debug, and maintain PLC programs using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagram as appropriate.
- Build and update HMI screens, operator interfaces, alarms, automation sequences, and machine controls.
- Program, configure, and troubleshoot industrial robots, robotic cells, fixturing, sensors, drives, and PLC-integrated equipment.
- Personally diagnose electrical, controls, and automation failures on the production floor; implement corrective actions and verify reliable operation.
- Design and implement improvements to automated assembly equipment, production processes, machine capacity, product flow, quality, and safety.
- Install, integrate, test, commission, and validate new or modified automation systems, including developing and executing validation protocols.
- Create and update electrical schematics, control diagrams, equipment documentation, standard operating procedures, and maintenance instructions.
- Work directly with maintenance technicians, operators, and engineering colleagues to resolve equipment issues and integrate mechanical and electrical systems.
- Test production processes against required cycle times, output rates, and quality standards; adjust controls and equipment to meet requirements.
- Apply machine safety practices, support safe equipment operation, and identify practical opportunities to reduce downtime.
- Train operators and maintenance personnel on equipment operation, controls, and troubleshooting through hands-on demonstrations.
Required Education:- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Required Experience/Skills:- 3+ years of hands-on PLC programming and manufacturing automation experience.
- Demonstrated ability to independently develop and troubleshoot PLC control logic, HMIs, and automated production equipment.
- Working proficiency with Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagram programming.
- Practical experience with robotic cell programming, fixturing, system integration, and commissioning or validation protocols.
- Ability to read and create electrical schematics and diagnose machine-control and process issues.
- Strong analytical troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and ability to work directly in a fast-paced production environment.
- Ability to document technical changes and explain equipment operation to operators and maintenance personnel.
Physical Requirements / Work Environment:- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
- Work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with occasional exposure to plant heat, moderate noise, dust, dirt, and fumes.
- Position requires concentration, accuracy, and focused mental effort.
- May travel to other Sherwood locations as required.
