Job Description

About the Role

Pinnacle Partners is recruiting for a Controls Engineer in Indianapolis, IN. This position focuses on PLC programming, HMI development, control system testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning for system integration projects. The ideal candidate will have experience developing and modifying PLC programs and HMI graphics, troubleshooting industrial control systems, and supporting projects from programming and internal testing through field startup. This is primarily a programming-focused role rather than a project management position, with opportunities to expand technical skills and grow professionally. Travel is limited to less than 15%, typically within three hours of the Indianapolis area, with occasional overnight stays.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs for industrial control systems.

• Design, develop, and modify Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens and graphics.

• Perform PLC program reviews and HMI graphic reviews to ensure quality, consistency, and functionality.

• Support control system design in coordination with Project Engineers.

• Assist with the development of project submittals, operation and maintenance manuals, and training documentation.

• Participate in project meetings, including graphic reviews and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs).

• Perform internal testing, debugging, and validation of control systems before release.

• Support field startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of control systems at customer sites.

• Provide technical support to customers and internal engineering, production, and service teams.

• Collaborate with Production to ensure control panels and systems are built and implemented according to design specifications.

• Troubleshoot control system issues involving PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, and industrial communications.

• Maintain consistency in programming standards, HMI graphics, and technical documentation across projects.

• Track project tasks, schedules, and deliverables to support timely project completion.

• Identify and communicate technical issues, project risks, and potential delays proactively.

• Maintain accurate technical documentation to support system traceability and accountability.

• Meet project deadlines and allocated labor hours while maintaining quality standards.

• Submit daily time entries for accurate labor tracking.

• Provide after-hours technical support when required.

• Assist Project Engineering, Service Coordination, and Field Services teams with technical needs.

• Maintain organized customer materials and project documentation.

• Communicate clearly with customers, managers, and team members throughout the project lifecycle.

• Identify opportunities to support additional customer needs and future technical projects.

• Support new system builds and retrofit projects, with the majority of work focused on new installations.

• Perform additional controls engineering and programming responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, PLC programming, or a related field.

• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting skills.

• Experience developing, modifying, and troubleshooting HMI screens and graphics.

• Familiarity with industrial control systems and communication protocols.

• Technical understanding of PLCs, HMIs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and instrumentation.

• Ability to diagnose and resolve programming errors, control system issues, and equipment communication problems.

• Strong analytical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to test, debug, and validate control system programs before implementation.

• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, control system designs, and project specifications.

• Strong communication skills when working with customers, engineering teams, production personnel, and other stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple technical assignments, maintain documentation, and meet project deadlines.

• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel locally for customer startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

• Ability to work onsite in Indianapolis, IN, with a willingness to provide occasional after-hours technical support as needed.

Preferred:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent practical experience may also be considered.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs.

• Experience with Rockwell FactoryTalk, PanelView, or similar HMI platforms.

• Experience programming or developing SCADA applications, including VTScada, Wonderware, GE iFIX, or similar platforms.

• Experience with Ignition, Siemens SIMATIC WinCC, or other industrial visualization platforms.

• Knowledge of industrial networking, telemetry, and communication protocols.

• Experience with VFDs, process instrumentation, and industrial control equipment.

• Familiarity with UL 508A standards and industrial control panel integration.

• Experience supporting field startup, commissioning, and control system troubleshooting.

• Experience with water and wastewater systems, municipal infrastructure, or process automation.

• Ability to support control system testing, Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), and system validation.

• Familiarity with technical documentation, operation and maintenance manuals, and customer training materials.

Benefits Overview:

• Annual salary of approximately $90,000–$115,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

• Additional PTO opportunities for eligible salaried employees based on hours worked beyond 40 hours per week.

• Additional compensation for after-hours service work, including time-and-a-half pay and double-time pay for weekend work.

• Company-wide bonus opportunities tied to monthly invoicing goals.

• Pool vehicles available for work-related travel.

• Limited travel compared with many traditional systems integration roles.

• Consistent Monday–Friday schedule, generally 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with some flexibility based on project schedules.

Explore More Engineering Opportunities

This role falls within our Engineering/Manufacturing division, where we specialize in placing professionals in areas such as:

• Quality Engineering and Quality Assurance

• Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

• Manufacturing/Process Engineering

• CNC Machining and Programming

• Field Service Engineering

• Technical Support and Parts Management

• Controls and Automation Engineering

• Project Engineering

• Operations / Plant Engineering

Explore additional Engineering roles and learn more about how we support Engineering professionals:

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