Location: North Syracuse, New York Area
Compensation: $95,000 – $110,000 Per Year + Bonus Plan
Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time | Permanent
Work Arrangement: Onsite | No Remote
Experience Required: 3-5+ Years of Controls or Automation Engineering Experience
Benefits: Full Benefits
Interview Expenses: Provided
Relocation Assistance: Provided
Travel: Approximately 30% Domestic and Occasional International Travel
Work Authorization: U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents Only

Position Overview

An established and leading custom Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) near the Syracuse, New York area is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer – Drives & Controls to join its engineering organization. This is a direct-hire opportunity focused on controls software development, industrial automation, drives and controls, system testing, machine commissioning, and customer-facing technical support.
The successful candidate will work on automated equipment projects from controls development and application studies through system testing, machine startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer support. The role requires strong PLC programming capabilities, experience with industrial control networks and AC/DC drives, and the ability to collaborate with engineering, sales, project teams, and customers.

Company Overview

• Leading Custom Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
• Global sales approaching $500 million.
• More than 1,000 employees worldwide.
• Established organization serving customers in domestic and international markets.

Key Responsibilities

Controls Software Development

• Develop and program PLC-based control systems for automated equipment.
• Create PLC programs using Ladder Logic and Function Block Diagrams.
• Develop and configure Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications.
• Design and support PLC network architecture for industrial automation systems.
• Configure AC/DC drive systems and integrate drives with machine controls.
• Support legacy controls integration and modernization activities.
• Apply industrial automation best practices to develop reliable and maintainable control solutions.

Testing & Commissioning

• Perform system testing and validation to ensure equipment meets design specifications and customer requirements.
• Support machine startup and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot automation, controls, PLC, HMI, drive, and network issues.
• Provide remote and onsite technical troubleshooting and engineering support.
• Assist with equipment debugging and performance optimization during commissioning.

Engineering & Project Support

• Prepare technical documentation, engineering reports, and controls-related project deliverables.
• Provide technical support to Sales teams during customer discussions and proposal development.
• Perform application studies to evaluate automation and controls solutions.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and project engineering teams.
• Interact directly with customers throughout project execution to support successful equipment delivery.
• Contribute technical expertise to project planning, execution, testing, and final implementation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 3-5+ years of professional experience in controls engineering, automation engineering, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience programming Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLCs.
• Strong knowledge of AC/DC drive systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial control networks and automation communications.
• Experience developing and configuring HMI applications.
• Experience with supervisory control systems.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with industrial automation software and controls engineering tools.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and customers.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 30%, including domestic and occasional international travel.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident.

Technical Skills

• Allen-Bradley PLC programming.
• Siemens PLC programming.
• PLC Ladder Logic.
• Function Block Diagram programming.
• HMI development.
• Supervisory control systems.
• PLC network architecture.
• AC/DC drive configuration.
• Legacy controls integration.
• Industrial control networks.
• AutoCAD.
• Industrial automation software.
• System testing and validation.
• Machine startup and commissioning.
• Remote and onsite troubleshooting.

Travel Requirements

This position requires approximately 30% travel to support equipment testing, machine startup, commissioning, customer projects, troubleshooting, and technical support. Travel may include domestic locations and occasional international assignments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $95,000 – $110,000 per year.
• Attractive bonus plan.
• Straight-time pay for hours worked over 45 hours in a work week.
• Automatic 401(k) company contribution.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Paid holidays.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Interview expenses provided.
• Relocation assistance provided.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Automation or Controls Engineer who enjoys working on custom automated equipment and solving complex industrial controls challenges. The successful candidate will combine strong PLC programming and HMI development skills with practical experience in drives, industrial networks, machine commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer support.
Candidates should be comfortable working in a project-driven environment, collaborating across multiple engineering disciplines, supporting sales and application activities, and traveling to customer sites when required. Strong technical communication, analytical skills, and a customer-focused approach are essential for success in this position.
Additional Information

This direct-hire opportunity offers the chance to join an established global custom equipment manufacturer with significant resources, international reach, and a broad customer base. The position provides exposure to the full lifecycle of automated equipment projects, from controls software development and application studies through testing, commissioning, and customer support.