Controls Engineer

Job#: 3026757

Job Description:
Controls Engineer

Location: Seattle or Boston (Onsite)

Employment Type: Contract

Role Overview

We are seeking a Controls Engineer with a strong focus on machine behavior, system-level control, and integration. This role functions more like a software or embedded developer than a traditional PLC-only programmer. The position supports the design, implementation, and commissioning of automated equipment, with a heavy emphasis on debugging across software, firmware, and hardware. The ideal candidate thinks like a robotics or embedded systems engineer, focusing on system brains rather than just plant-floor automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and maintain embedded or PLC-based control systems for industrial machinery.
• Develop C++ or Structured Text control software following software engineering best practices.
• Participate in machine and robot bring-up, working with distributed control architectures.
• Perform real-time motion and sensor integration.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, VFDs, servos, and safety devices.
• Support machine commissioning and troubleshoot systems onsite.
• Diagnose I/O, communication, and motion control issues.
• Interface with HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networks like EtherNet/IP and PROFINET.

Required Qualifications

Experience: Experience programming embedded systems or PLCs (such as Rockwell, Siemens, or Beckhoff) is required. Candidates must have experience with commissioning automated machinery.

Technical Skills: A strong understanding of industrial automation principles and familiarity with industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET) is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and system documentation.
• Motion control experience.
• Experience with safety PLCs or functional safety (SIL/PL-rated systems).
• Exposure to robotics integration.

Compensation & Benefits

The pay rate for this position is between $70.00 and $120.00 per hour.

This employer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

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Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.