**Controls & Automation Engineer** **Direct Hire | $95,000 / year** **Job Description** We are seeking a highly capable Controls & Automation Engineer to join our Maintenance team and play a key role in supporting, modernizing, and advancing our manufacturing automation systems. This position is ideal for an experienced, independent controls engineer who enjoys hands-on problem solving, system ownership, and long-term technical growth. The primary focus of this role is controls and automation. Responsibilities in IT and Operational Technology will be minimal initially and will expand over time as the engineer becomes familiar with plant systems, software, and infrastructure. This role offers a clear path toward broader technical influence and mentorship as the organization continues to grow. **Responsibilities** + Own, modify, design, commission, and support industrial automation systems. + Independently troubleshoot PLC systems across Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, and Automation Direct platforms. + Support and improve robotics systems (Yaskawa, KUKA, Fanuc). + Develop and maintain HMIs, vision systems, VFDs, servo motion systems, and machine safety systems. + Assist maintenance technicians with advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis. + Support real-time machine monitoring and OEE improvement initiatives. + Establish and improve automation standards, documentation, and best practices. + Collaborate with Maintenance and Corporate IT to support plant-level IT systems. + Gain familiarity with plant servers, virtualization, and data collection systems. + Support CMMS-related automation and data interfaces. + Learn and apply cybersecurity best practices over time. + Assist with backup and disaster recovery processes as systems knowledge increases. + Support shop-floor PCs, HMIs, and industrial network devices. + Act as a technical bridge between Controls, Maintenance, Operations, and IT. + Lead and support capital automation projects. + Specify automation and controls requirements for new equipment. + Work with vendors, system integrators, and contractors. + Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on downtime reduction, reliability, and OEE. + Support modernization and standardization of automation and IT systems. + Serve as a Sr. technical resource within the Maintenance department. + Mentor maintenance technicians and engineers as responsibilities expand. + Support knowledge sharing, documentation, and skill development. **Essential Skills** + 3+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls. + Strong, independent PLC programming and troubleshooting capability. + Experience with robotics, motion control, HMIs, and machine safety systems. + Experience accepted in lieu of a formal degree. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. + Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. **Additional Skills & Qualifications** + Interest or skills in IT/OT systems is a plus but not required on day one. **Why Work Here?** technical leadership and mentorship. Be part of a company that values its employees, prioritizes safety, and offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package within a collaborative and supportive work environment. **Work Environment** Direct Placement, First Shift (M-F). While the standard schedule is weekdays, there might be occasional requirements to work off-hours for specific projects. **Job Type & Location** This is a Permanent position based out of Lugoff, SC. **Pay and Benefits** The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $95000.00/yr. Compensation & Benefits: • Medical: Low-Cost payroll deductions and great coverage • Telemedicine Health Coverage • Dental / Vision / FSA/ HSA / Short-Term & Long-Term Disability / Life Ins & 401k • Paid Time Off • Optional: Accidental, Critical Illness and Hospitalization Coverage • Advancement paid training **Workplace Type** This is a fully onsite position in Lugoff,SC. **Application Deadline** This position is anticipated to close on Feb 5, 2026. **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 meets 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.