Controls Engineer I

Location:Buffalo NY
Business Unit: Motivairby Schneider Electric
Function: Engineering
Reports To: Engineering Manager, Sustaining Engineering, Tools & Testing
Job Type: Full-Time

What will you do?

The Controls Engineer I is responsible for designing, programming, testing, and supporting electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic control systems used in industrial and HVAC equipment. This role works closely with engineering, production, suppliers, service teams, and customers to develop innovative control solutions, troubleshoot technical issues, and support product lifecycle management.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and program PLC-based control systems to manage functions such as sequencing, temperature, pressure, flow, current, voltage, and timing.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, control drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), technical manuals, and related engineering documentation.
• Develop and document system sequences of operation, control logic diagrams, and functional specifications.
• Provide technical support during pre-sales and post-sales activities, including customer discussions and control system reviews.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams, assemblers, and electrical wirers to resolve control system design and build issues.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and implement software and firmware updates to resolve product performance issues.
• Optimize existing control programs and continuously improve system functionality, reliability, and performance.
• Partner with suppliers and external engineering resources to resolve technical challenges, evaluate new technologies, and improve product capabilities.
• Obtain supplier quotations, support component qualification activities, and prepare purchasing requisitions.
• Support quality initiatives, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Travel occasionally to customer sites, suppliers, or Schneider Electric facilities as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What qualifications will make you successful?

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in controls engineering, automation, industrial equipment, HVAC systems, or related fields.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems.
• Knowledge of electrical schematics, control panel design, and industrial control components.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience with commercial HVAC, liquid cooling systems, air cooling systems, or data center infrastructure.
• Knowledge of industry communication protocols and control networks.
• Experience with Carel, Modicon, or similar control platforms.
• Familiarity with GitHub or version control systems.
• Experience working with UL, ETL, NEC, IEC, NFPA, and other applicable industry standards.
• Hands-on experience with pumps, motors, piping systems, electro-mechanical assemblies, or industrial equipment.

Skills & Competencies

• Controls System Design
• PLC Programming & Troubleshooting
• Electrical Engineering Fundamentals
• Technical Documentation
• Root Cause Analysis
• Product Lifecycle Support
• Customer Technical Support
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Supplier Qualification & Management
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based work in a computer-centric environment.
• Ability to remain seated for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Let us learn about you! Apply today.

You must submit an online application to be considered for any position with Schneider Electric. This position will remain posted until filled.

For this U.S. based position, the expected pay range is USD 86,400 - USD 129,600 per year. This pay range includes base pay and short-term incentives. The compensation range for this full-time position applies to candidates located within the United States. Our pay ranges are determined by reviewing roles of similar responsibility and level. Within the pay range, individual pay is determined by several factors including performance, knowledge, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Our Total Rewards package outlines all the benefits and support you'll enjoy as part of the Schneider Electric team:

Care for Yourself and Your Family. We ensure you feel secure with benefits that help you and your family thrive: medical (with member reward points), dental, vision, and basic life insurance, Benefit Bucks, flexible work arrangements, paid family leaves, well-being programs, 12 holidays per year, and 15 days of paid time off per year.

Invest and Plan Your Future. We help you plan and invest for the future with competitive pay and programs including base salary, incentives, company share ownership, and 401(k) with match.

Grow Your Skills and Career. We support development through performance discussions, global opportunities, the Schneider Career Hub, and learning platforms like Coursera.

Team Up in the Workplace. We encourage collaboration, recognition, sharing your voice, and an inclusive workplace.

Support Your Community. We make a difference through volunteer leave, programs with the Schneider Electric Foundation, youth education initiatives, and military leave benefits.

Looking to make an IMPACT with your career?

When you are thinking about joining a new team, culture matters. At Schneider Electric, our values and behaviors are the foundation for creating a great culture to support business success. We believe that our IMPACT values - Inclusion, Mastery, Purpose, Action, Curiosity, Teamwork - starts with us.

IMPACT is also your invitation to join Schneider Electric where you can contribute to turning sustainability ambition into actions, no matter what role you play. It is a call to connect your career with the ambition of achieving a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable world.

We are looking for IMPACT Makers; exceptional people who turn sustainability ambitions into actions at the intersection of automation, electrification, and digitization. We celebrate IMPACT Makers and believe everyone has the potential to be one.

Become an IMPACT Maker with Schneider Electric - apply today!