Cogent

Control Systems Engineer

Cogent$70K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent technical experience.
  • Experience in industrial control system design and programming.
  • Familiarity with PLC and HMI platforms, ideally Allen-Bradley.
  • Strong knowledge of control circuits, instrumentation, and VFD integration.
  • Experienced with AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical for schematic design.
  • Excellent communication and time management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop industrial control systems including hardware, schematics, and programming.
  • Develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications using industry-standard platforms.
  • Prepare system specifications, I/O lists, and documentation.
  • Coordinate with engineering teams for seamless control system integration.
  • Provide technical support for control panel fabrication and testing.
  • Conduct commissioning, testing, and operator training on-site or remotely.
  • Assist with project management activities including scope definition and scheduling.

Benefits

  • Mixed work environment with both office and field-based projects.
  • Opportunity to work on diverse projects across various industries.
  • Team-focused atmosphere that encourages ownership and innovation.
  • Contributions to standardization and continuous improvement in engineering practices.
  • Flexibility with an expected travel of up to 20% for project support.
Full Job Description
The Control Systems Engineer quotes, designs, programs, and supports innovative industrial control systems, from initial concept through commissioning. This role works closely with engineers, fabricators, and field service teams to ensure reliable, high-performance automation solutions that meet customer requirements, safety standards, and performance expectations. You'll bring together your knowledge of controls hardware, PLC/HMI programming, and process integration to deliver systems that help our customers operate smarter, safer, and more efficiently.

  • Design and develop industrial control systems, including hardware selection, schematic design, and programming.
  • Develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications using industry-standard platforms.
  • Prepare system specifications, I/O lists, and documentation packages.
  • Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams for seamless system integration.
  • Provide technical support for control panel fabrication, wiring, and testing.
  • Conduct on-site or remote system commissioning, testing, and operator training.
  • Assist with project management tasks - scope definition, quoting, scheduling, and budget tracking.
  • Support sales and estimating teams with control system concepts and scope development.
  • Troubleshoot system and instrumentation issues to ensure reliable operation.
  • Contribute to standardization and continuous improvement of Cogent's design and engineering practices.


Work Environment/Travel Expectations
This position offers a mix of office and field-based work to support diverse project needs. Typical allocation includes approximately 40% on-site (customer or field locations), 60% in-office, and up to 20% overnight travel for commissioning, training, or project support as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a Technical Degree with equivalent experience.
  • Experience in industrial control system design, programming, and integration.
  • Working knowledge of PLC and HMI platforms (Allen-Bradley preferred).
  • Strong understanding of control circuits, instrumentation, and VFD integration.
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical for schematic design.
  • Excellent communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel as project needs require.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with SCADA and historian systems.
  • Familiarity with UL 508A control panel standards and electrical safety codes.
  • Experience in water/wastewater or process automation industries.
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with shifting priorities.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.


Join Us
At Cogent, we believe the best solutions come from empowered people. If you're passionate about engineering excellence and thrive in a team-focused environment that values ownership, innovation, and integrity - we want to hear from you!

About Cogent

Cogent Communications is a multinational internet service provider that offers high-speed internet and data services to businesses and individuals around the world. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Cogent's network spans over 200 markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, and the company has over 57,000 route miles of intercity fiber and more than 36,000 metro fiber miles. Cogent's mission is to provide reliable, high-quality internet and data services to its customers at an affordable price.
Learn more about Cogent
Size
5,000 employees
Industry

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