Junior Controls Engineer
The Junior Controls Engineer supports the programming, configuration, testing, and maintenance of industrial control and automated visual inspection systems in a manufacturing environment. Working under experienced engineers, the role focuses on improving equipment reliability, inspection accuracy, and production efficiency while adhering to regulated manufacturing practices. This entry-level position involves collaboration across multiple technical disciplines and continuous improvement of machine vision applications.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
- Support programming, configuration, testing, and maintenance of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), industrial PCs, and related control equipment.
- Assist with setup, calibration, optimization, and validation of automated visual inspection (AVI) and machine vision systems.
- Review images, inspection results, alarms, system logs, and production data to identify defects, equipment faults, and improvement opportunities.
- Support integration between AVI equipment, machine vision software, PLCs, and manufacturing systems.
- Document software revisions, control configurations, test results, troubleshooting activities, and technical findings.
- Work with Validation and Quality to define accept/reject boundaries for inspected product.
- Continuously refine vision applications to improve defect detectability and reduce false rejects.
- Create and update SOPs, work instructions, electrical documentation, and training materials.
- Participate in change controls, CAPAs, preventive maintenance, backups, and continuous improvement projects.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, IT, Maintenance, and vendors to resolve technical issues.
- Follow cGMP, data integrity, cybersecurity, safety, and Good Documentation Practices.
Required Skills
- Foundational knowledge of industrial controls and automation (PLCs, HMIs, I/O systems).
- Basic understanding of machine vision concepts (cameras, lenses, lighting, image acquisition, inspection tools).
- Familiarity with electronics, digital/analog circuits, sensors, control panels, and computer hardware.
- Understanding of software logic, basic data structures, databases, operating systems, and networking fundamentals.
- Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control narratives, and technical drawings.
- Methodical troubleshooting and data-analysis skills; ability to document findings and drive issues to resolution.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across technical teams.
- Willingness to learn regulated manufacturing practices, including cGMP, change control, and data integrity.
- Preferred: familiarity with industrial communication protocols, SQL, version control, robotics, or machine vision software.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related technical field — or equivalent relevant education/experience.
- 0–2 years of relevant experience, including internships, co-ops, academic projects, lab work, or entry-level technical roles.
- Coursework or project experience with PLC programming, industrial automation, electronics, embedded systems, machine vision, or robotics is a plus.
- Experience in regulated manufacturing environments is helpful but not required.
Compensation & Location
- Estimated base pay: $95,743 per year (estimated).
- Location: Lenoir, NC — on-site position (local candidates preferred; relocation details to be discussed with the client).
Why This Role?
- Hands-on, entry-level engineering role with exposure to industrial controls and machine vision in a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Opportunity to learn from experienced engineers and gain practical skills in PLCs, AVI systems, validation practices, and process improvement.
- Work cross-functionally across Engineering, Quality, Validation, and Manufacturing.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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