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Automation & Controls Engineer
Fort Smith ,
AR$78,000/Year Direct Hire
On-Site
Automation & Controls Engineer
Fort Smith, AR
$78,000-124,000
Automation & Controls Engineer Overview
This role supports manufacturing operations by maintaining, improving, and implementing automation and control systems. The engineer will work hands-on with technologies such as PLCs, HMIs, drives, robotics, instrumentation, and safety systems to resolve issues and enhance performance. In addition to troubleshooting, this position plays a key role in driving improvements by scoping projects, estimating costs, and delivering control system upgrades that increase efficiency and reliability.
Automation & Controls Engineer Responsibilities
Automation & Controls Engineer Qualifications
Hunter International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We comply with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action regulations.
Fort Smith, AR
$78,000-124,000
Automation & Controls Engineer Overview
This role supports manufacturing operations by maintaining, improving, and implementing automation and control systems. The engineer will work hands-on with technologies such as PLCs, HMIs, drives, robotics, instrumentation, and safety systems to resolve issues and enhance performance. In addition to troubleshooting, this position plays a key role in driving improvements by scoping projects, estimating costs, and delivering control system upgrades that increase efficiency and reliability.
Automation & Controls Engineer Responsibilities
- Prioritize safety in all tasks while maintaining a strong sense of urgency and service to internal stakeholders
- Diagnose and resolve issues across control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, drives, safety components, and industrial networks using appropriate software and schematics
- Investigate equipment and process failures to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions
- Develop and execute control system upgrades, including creating electrical drawings, selecting components, updating logic, and overseeing system startup
- Improve system performance by adjusting control strategies and refining electrical designs
- Configure and manage data within control systems to support operational reporting and analytics
- Lead automation-related projects from concept through completion, including system upgrades and retrofits
- Partner with cross-functional teams (operations, maintenance, environmental, engineering) to support plant objectives
- Maintain clear and organized documentation, including backups of control programs
- Provide training to maintenance and operations teams on new equipment and system updates
- Contribute to failure analysis efforts and develop quick-reference training materials (e.g., one-point lessons)
- Support reliability-focused initiatives and continuous improvement programs
- Participate in and help drive total productive maintenance (TPM) efforts
- Follow established change management procedures when implementing system modifications
Automation & Controls Engineer Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience working with industrial automation and PLC-based control systems
- Strong PLC programming skills (Siemens experience preferred)
- Experience with Allen-Bradley hardware and software
- Proficiency in developing electrical schematics using AutoCAD or similar tools
- Familiarity with drives, HMIs, robotics, and converting/packaging equipment
- Understanding of industrial Ethernet networks and control system communication
- Knowledge of electrical systems ranging from low voltage controls up to 480V
- Working knowledge of OSHA, NFPA, NEC, and ANSI standards
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field (preferred)
- Certifications in machine safety or automation technologies (a plus)
- Experience with electrical power system design and maintenance (nice to have)
Hunter International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We comply with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action regulations.
