Automation and Controls Engineer (Manufacturing)

Location: Onsite five days a week at the Mapleton, Illinois facility; up to 10% travel required. Domestic relocation assistance is available. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Salary: $112,710–$169,060 per year.

Company

hirify.global develops manufacturing equipment and technologies focused on stronger, more sustainable communities.

What you will do

• Design, develop, program, commission, and support manufacturing automation systems using PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, machine vision, industrial networks, and motion control.
• Lead automation, controls, equipment modernization, digital manufacturing, and capital projects from concept through design, installation, commissioning, validation, and operational handoff.
• Troubleshoot complex controls, software, network, and equipment issues, analyze logs and performance data, and minimize downtime.
• Drive Industry 4.0 initiatives involving machine connectivity, IIoT, data integration, advanced analytics, MES, ERP, cloud, and enterprise platforms.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to improve safety, quality, throughput, reliability, process stability, and cost performance.
• Develop controls standards, electrical schematics, equipment specifications, technical documentation, and provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams, suppliers, contractors, and system integrators.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Advanced knowledge of root cause analysis, including RCA, 5 Why, Fishbone, and FMEA, with the ability to independently resolve complex technical and operational challenges.
• Experience analyzing manufacturing, automation, and equipment performance data to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Knowledge of manufacturing process optimization, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, process validation, change management, process documentation, standard work, and best-practice deployment.
• Experience leading automation, controls, digital manufacturing, or capital projects through planning, budgeting, risk management, commissioning, testing, validation, and operational handoff.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, contractors, equipment suppliers, and system integrators, communicate project updates, manage stakeholder expectations, and drive execution.
• Advanced troubleshooting experience with PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, industrial networks, software, equipment, and integrated control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience providing technical leadership during equipment startup, commissioning, and operational issue resolution.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience delivering Industry 4.0 or Smart Factory solutions in manufacturing.
• Experience with MES, IIoT, manufacturing analytics, machine connectivity, or cloud-enabled manufacturing platforms.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices for Operational Technology environments.
• Experience with industrial robotics, autonomous material handling, 2D/3D machine vision, bin picking, motion control, or AI-enabled manufacturing solutions.
• Experience developing electrical architectures, machine specifications, and controls standards for equipment builds and upgrades.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off, parental leave, adoption benefits, disability benefits, and life insurance.
• 401(k) savings plans, HSA, FSAs, voluntary benefits, and employee discounts.
• Health lifestyle programs and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Career development and tuition reimbursement.
• Incentive bonus.
• Drug screening is required as a condition of employment.