Controls Engineer

Job Title: Automation Controls Engineer

Location: Decatur, Illinois

Department: Engineering

Travel Requirement: Up to 30%

**Please note: This position requires residency and authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Relocation package is not offered for this position

Who We Are:

At Align Production Systems, we are redefining automation in heavy industry. Our team leads the charge in designing and building fully autonomous vehicle (AGV) systems and advanced material handling solutions for industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. As an

Automation Controls Engineer , you’ll take ownership of cutting-edge projects, working with a team of automation engineers located at our Decatur, IL manufacturing facility, who are passionate about creating next-generation systems from concept to completion.

Our partnerships with global leaders, including Kollmorgen and Swedish AGV technology experts, give you the opportunity to work on groundbreaking automation projects. If you're excited about leading in a fast-growing industry and working with the latest in automation technology, this role is perfect for you.

Position Overview:

The Automation Controls Engineer is be responsible for playing a key role in designing, developing, and implementing advanced control systems. You’ll be involved with projects from start to finish, collaborate with global partners, and ensure successful execution. In addition, you'll act as the technical and project expert, partnering with the team in building and delivering innovative automation solutions for heavy industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Ownership: Oversee the design, development, and implementation of control systems, ensuring projects are executed on time and within budget. You’ll be interacting with customers helping expand their knowledge of automation systems and educating their team on how to properly prepare for manual or autonomous vehicles.
• Hands-On Action: Take the lead in programming, system logic creation for AGV fleets, and troubleshooting to ensure successful deployment of automated systems.
• Global Collaboration: Work directly with international AGV partners like Kollmorgen and Swedish AGV experts to integrate advanced technologies and push the boundaries of industrial automation.
• Innovative Development: Design and develop control systems that blend robotics, communication networks, hydraulics, and pneumatics to create next-gen autonomous systems.
• Planning: Set deadlines, allocate resources, and manage project risks to ensure the successful delivery of automation solutions.

What You’ll Gain:

• Experience in a growing industry, driving innovation in autonomous vehicle systems and industrial automation.
• Opportunities to collaborate with global technology leaders and take on projects that are transforming heavy industry.
• Hands-on involvement in creating, building, and overseeing turnkey automation solutions from concept through completion.
• The chance to work with cutting-edge technologies including robotics, AGV systems, and advanced control systems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in controls or automation engineering design
• Strong expertise in PLC programming (structured text, ladder logic), AutoCAD Electrical, and system integration.
• Familiarity with Kollmorgen systems, CANbus , and Ethernet communications is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.

Why Align Production Systems?

• Lead in Automation Innovation: Lead a team working on the future of automation and AGV systems, driving transformation in heavy industry.
• Global Collaboration: Work alongside top AGV technology partners like Kollmorgen and Swedish AGV experts.
• Full Project Ownership: Lead exciting, innovative projects from concept to final implementation.
• Competitive Benefits: Health, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) with company contributions, paid time off, and more.