Controls Engineer I

Join Dynavac-a leader in high-vacuum process equipment-and help us support some of the most advanced organizations in aerospace, defense, and thin-film technology. If you enjoy solving challenges, working with talented cross-functional teams, and owning projects from concept through commissioning, this role is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact.

Salary range: $76,100 to $95,200, based on experience.

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled Controls Engineer I to join our Engineering team. The ideal candidate will support the design, development, and implementation of control systems for advanced manufacturing equipment, including thin film deposition, thermal vacuum, and custom vacuum systems, while developing core skills in industrial automation and system integration.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist in developing process functional design specifications that detail control strategy and sequence of operations.
• Support controls engineering efforts across the project lifecycle, including design, programming, testing, and commissioning
• Participate in PLC and HMI/SCADA software development and perform functional testing on equipment
• Perform system integration tasks including I/O checkout, system validation, and performance testing under guidanceGenerate and maintain control system documentation, including user manuals and design records
• Assist in maintaining and organizing software backups for systems in production and at customer facilities
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities with internal teams and customers
• Assist with on-site system installation, upgrades, and commissioning activities
• Troubleshoot basic control system issues and support senior engineers in resolving more complex problems
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams including electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing
• Travel domestically and internationally as required

COMPETENCIES

• Effective problem-solving
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to customers and cross-functional teams
• Excellent time management and productivity in a dynamic environment.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION & SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
• 0-3 years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, or manufacturing environments (internships and co-ops included)
• Exposure to PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, or system integration
• Experience working with industrial equipment, sensors, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems (academic or professional)
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical issues and learn in a hands-on environment
• Exposure to manufacturing, laboratory, or test environments preferred

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
None

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Standard office environment with occasional travel to customer sites for evaluations

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $76,100 to $95,200, based on experience.
• Excellent benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement plan, paid time off, and more
• Opportunities to work on innovative, custom-engineered equipment used by leading aerospace and technology organizations
• Collaborative culture with a focus on professional growth and technical excellence

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This role is split between office-based engineering work and hands-on activities in a manufacturing environment (approximately 50% office / 50% production floor).

Responsibilities include working on and around industrial equipment, performing system testing and integration, and supporting equipment commissioning.

The role requires the ability to:

• Stand, walk, and work on a manufacturing floor for extended periods
• Use standard tools and interact with electrical/mechanical systems
• Travel domestically as required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.