Controls Engineer

Now Hiring: Controls Engineer – Industrial Automation

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Job Type: Permanent

Travel: Up to 20% (occasional weekends possible)

Work Environment: Office, electronics lab, and production floor (PPE required)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Controls Engineer to design and implement advanced industrial automation systems. You'll work on cutting-edge equipment used in slicing, polishing, and material handling across industries such as Medical, Defense, EV, Optics, and Semiconductor.

This role offers full lifecycle ownership—from concept and design to deployment and integration. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to both control systems and higher-level software applications for data acquisition, monitoring, and enterprise integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Program PLCs using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Codesys, TwinCAT, or similar platforms
• Develop HMI interfaces (Ignition preferred) and modular software architectures
• Create custom software modules in C++ or Python for enhanced control functionality
• Integrate SCADA/MES systems, APIs, and middleware for factory connectivity
• Configure and tune servo and stepper motor systems (Beckhoff, Yaskawa, Bosch Rexroth, etc.)
• Design control panel layouts and document system architecture
• Work with industrial protocols such as EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, and SERCOS
• Troubleshoot and iterate prototypes to achieve production-ready performance
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers
• Maintain documentation for software, schematics, and system behavior

Required Skills & Experience

• Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, drives, and sensors in industrial automation
• Strong programming skills in object-oriented languages (C++, Python, or Java)
• Experience with databases (SQL, NoSQL) and version control (Git)
• Familiarity with industrial IoT frameworks or edge computing environments
• Servo motor tuning and high-performance PID control expertise
• Comfortable with mechanical troubleshooting and physical assembly

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SCADA/MES integration and modular software design
• Certifications in automation platforms (e.g., Beckhoff, Yaskawa)
• Motion control experience highly desirable

Why Join Us

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive health benefits
• 401(k) match and generous PTO
• Collaborative, high-ownership culture with room for innovation
• Opportunities to contribute to R&D initiatives and shape future automation technologies
• Work in a dynamic environment with exposure to multiple industries and technologies

Work Environment

• Located in a small, agile manufacturing facility in central Colorado Springs
• Mix of office, lab, and production floor work
• PPE required in certain areas
• Ability to lift and move items up to 50 lbs
• Travel up to 20% to suppliers or customer sites (occasional weekends possible)
• Paid overtime when applicable

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $115000.00 - $136000.00/yr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)• Short and long-term disability• Health Spending Account (HSA)• Transportation benefits• Employee Assistance Program• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Colorado Springs, CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2025.

About Aerotek:

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.