Controls Engineer

Job#: 3049527

Job Description:
Controls Engineer

Location: South Seattle, WA (occasional travel to Bellevue, WA)

Experience Level: Mid-Senior
Position Overview

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support the development, deployment, and optimization of advanced automation and material handling systems. This individual will be responsible for developing machine control software, creating system configurations, troubleshooting automation systems, and supporting scalable controls architectures across complex industrial environments.

The ideal candidate combines strong controls engineering fundamentals with a software-oriented mindset and thrives in fast-paced, highly ambiguous environments.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot machine control applications using Structured Text (ST).
• Create and maintain JSON-based machine configuration files.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, panel layouts, and mechanical drawing packages.
• Design, test, and deploy control system functionality for automated equipment and industrial machinery.
• Support commissioning, integration, and troubleshooting activities.
• Participate in source code management, version control, and peer code reviews using Git workflows.
• Work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to develop scalable and maintainable controls solutions.
• Assist with simulation validation and testing efforts.
• Support modernization initiatives focused on applying software development best practices to industrial controls systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, robotics, manufacturing, or material handling systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Structured Text (ST) programming.
• Strong understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts and their application to machine control software.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawing sets.
• Experience creating, editing, and troubleshooting JSON-formatted configuration files.
• Experience using Git for version control, file management, branching, and code reviews.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a highly ambiguous environment with limited direction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CODESYS development environments.
• Experience with TwinCAT and Beckhoff-based automation systems.
• Familiarity with EtherCAT communication networks.
• Exposure to Emulate3D simulation software.
• Experience with conveyors, sortation systems, automated machinery, or material handling equipment.
• Experience supporting large-scale distributed control systems.
• Willingness and aptitude to learn new controls platforms and development environments.

Technical Skills

Preferred experience with:

• Structured Text (ST)
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
• JSON
• Git
• EtherCAT
• CODESYS
• TwinCAT
• Industrial Automation
• PLC Programming
• Material Handling Systems
• Automation Controls

Work Environment

• Collaborative engineering team of approximately 18 engineers.
• Fast-paced product development and deployment environment.
• Significant opportunity to influence the evolution of modern controls architectures and software-driven automation systems.
• Projects focused on building scalable systems capable of managing and supporting large fleets of connected devices.

Hiring Needs

• Immediate need for two Controls Engineers.
• Additional hiring anticipated as project scope grows.
• Potential expansion of 2-6 additional engineers in the future.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a technically strong controls engineer who can bridge traditional industrial automation with modern software development practices. They are comfortable solving complex problems, navigating ambiguity, and developing scalable automation solutions that extend beyond traditional PLC programming.

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

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