Controls Engineer (Application Specialist)

Job Description

Controls Engineer (Application Specialist)

Setting/Hours: Hybrid - Flexible Remote | 8-5 M-F

Join trak group in partnering with a growing client in Cincinnati, Ohio that’s expanding its Manufacturing team.

Website Summary

Join trak group in partnering with a growing industrial automation client seeking an experienced Controls Engineer (Application Specialist) to develop and deliver technical automation solutions for customers. This highly customer-facing role combines automation engineering, troubleshooting, field service, and technical consulting to identify customer challenges and implement safe, effective solutions.

Projects may include Arc Flash and Lockout/Tagout studies, drive startups, PLC migrations, industrial network configuration, data collection, training, and on-site engineering support. The ideal candidate has a strong automation background and enjoys working directly with customers to solve complex technical problems.

Responsibilities

• Meet directly with customers to understand technical challenges and application requirements.

• Develop appropriate automation solutions based on customer needs.

• Safely implement and deliver technical solutions at customer facilities.

• Perform drive startups and commissioning activities.

• Support PLC migrations and automation system upgrades.

• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks.

• Perform data collection, analysis, and technical reporting.

• Conduct or support Arc Flash, Lockout/Tagout, and IBE audits/studies.

• Provide customer training on automation technologies and applications.

• Deliver on-site technical support through field service, embedded engineering, and scheduled support engagements.

• Troubleshoot automation equipment and systems in production environments.

• Maintain strong knowledge of current industrial automation technologies and applications.

• Serve as a trusted technical resource and maintain credibility with customers.

• Partner with Sales and Automation Specialists to develop technical solutions and pursue new opportunities.

• Communicate project status, technical issues, and next steps to customers, Sales, and leadership.

• Maintain a strong focus on personnel and equipment safety while working in production environments.

Must-Haves

• Associate degree in an applicable technical field.

• 5+ years of experience delivering industrial automation solutions to customers.

• Strong technical background in industrial automation and controls.

• Hands-on experience implementing, troubleshooting, or supporting automation systems.

• Experience working directly with customers to identify problems and develop technical solutions.

• Ability to safely perform technical work within active manufacturing and production environments.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent customer-facing and interpersonal skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to customers, sales professionals, and internal teams.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other common Office applications.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with technical and sales teams.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Technology, or a related technical discipline.

• Experience with PLC migrations and controls upgrades.

• Experience with variable frequency drive startups and commissioning.

• Industrial network configuration and troubleshooting experience.

• Experience with Arc Flash and Lockout/Tagout studies.

• Background providing field service or embedded engineering support.

• Experience conducting technical training for customers.

• Data collection and technical reporting experience.

• Experience supporting sales teams during the development and pursuit of automation opportunities.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and want to make an impact, partner with trak group to explore this opportunity.