Trueline, a major manufacturer, is seeking a
Controls Engineer to join its engineering team in Erie, PA. This is an onsite engineering role responsible for the controls and automation behind a large-scale manufacturing operation, including PLC programming, troubleshooting, system integration, commissioning, and continuous improvement.
You'll work directly with production equipment and cross-functional engineering teams to solve real-time manufacturing problems while also bringing new equipment and technologies online. It's a strong opportunity for a controls engineer who wants both hands-on troubleshooting and meaningful ownership of plant automation improvements.
What You'll Do as the Controls Engineer:- Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based industrial control systems
- Support automation across complex manufacturing equipment and production processes
- Integrate sensors, actuators, controls, and other field devices into automated systems
- Diagnose controls and automation problems that impact equipment uptime, reliability, quality, or production
- Test, validate, and commission new or modified control systems
- Support installation and startup of new manufacturing equipment and technology
- Maintain electrical schematics, PLC logic, control documentation, and system configurations
- Interpret equipment specifications and translate them into practical operating and controls requirements
- Partner with Process Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and equipment vendors to solve technical issues
- Evaluate new controls and automation technologies that can improve manufacturing capability
- Support new product and process introductions from an automation and manufacturability perspective
- Drive continuous improvement in equipment reliability, system performance, and manufacturing efficiency
- Ensure controls and electrical work meets applicable safety standards, codes, and plant requirements
- Manage multiple automation and controls projects simultaneously
Must-Haves as the Controls Engineer:- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related technical field
- 3-5+ years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
- Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience
- Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable industrial PLC platforms
- Ability to diagnose controls problems directly at production equipment
- Experience integrating industrial sensors, actuators, and control devices
- Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs
- Experience testing, validating, and commissioning control systems
- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage several projects and competing plant priorities simultaneously
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with engineering, operations, maintenance, vendors, and technicians
- Working knowledge of industrial safety and compliance requirements
Nice-to-Haves as the Controls Engineer:- Advanced Allen-Bradley controls experience
- Siemens experience
- Robotics programming or integration experience
- CNC or machining automation experience
- Experience with forging, metal forming, heat treatment, coating, or similar manufacturing equipment
- Automotive or commercial vehicle manufacturing experience
- Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience
- Previous experience in a union manufacturing environment
We Offer:- Base salary of $100,000-$115,000 annually, depending on experience
- Opportunity to own automation and controls work across a sophisticated manufacturing operation
- Hands-on involvement in both existing equipment improvement and new technology implementation
- Significant exposure to manufacturing equipment, robotics, PLCs, machining, and automation
- Medical coverage with PPO and HSA-compatible plan options
- Dental and vision coverage
- Company HSA contributions and additional matching opportunity for eligible plan participants
- 401(k) with company matching opportunity
- Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance
- Company-paid disability benefits for eligible employees
- Employee Assistance Program and financial wellness resources
- Participation in the company's employee ownership program at no personal cost
- Opportunity to join an operation investing in automation, manufacturing technology, and future production capability
