Controls Engineer - Automation & Technical Support

Remote – Midwest U.S. | Up to 60% Travel
Solve complex automation problems. Work remotely. Get hands-on in the field.
If you’re a controls engineer who enjoys troubleshooting equipment, programming PLCs, and solving problems that don’t always come with an instruction manual, this could be a great next move.
Harpak-ULMA Packaging is looking for an experienced Controls Engineer to support our automated packaging equipment and Field Service organization.
This is a fully remote position based in the Midwest, with travel to customer locations as needed. When you're not supporting equipment in the field, you'll work remotely on troubleshooting, programming, engineering improvements, and R&D projects.
You'll work across a variety of automation technologies, including Rockwell PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, VFDs, industrial networks, Pro-face, and Lenze equipment.
Why You'll Want to Take a Closer Look
Fully remote when not traveling to customer sites
Hands-on work with Rockwell PLCs, HMIs, servos, and VFDs
Solve challenging real-world controls and automation problems
Split your time between technical support, programming, and R&D
Exposure to advanced automation and robotics
Work with sophisticated, high-speed packaging equipment
Take ownership of problems from diagnosis through solution
Travel to customer locations throughout your territory and beyond
What You'll Do
You'll serve as a key technical resource for our Field Service Technicians and customers, using your controls expertise to keep complex automated equipment running at its best.
You will:
Program, troubleshoot, and modify Rockwell PLC, HMI, servo, and VFD systems
Remotely support Field Service Technicians with complex controls, electrical, and mechanical troubleshooting
Diagnose automation issues on high-speed packaging equipment
Travel to customer facilities to provide hands-on technical support when needed
Maintain and modify existing machine-control programs
Configure and troubleshoot Rockwell, Pro-face, and Lenze equipment
Troubleshoot industrial communication networks, including Ethernet and DeviceNet
Update electrical schematics using 2D AutoCAD
Maintain clear controls documentation to support future equipment modifications and troubleshooting
Research and implement new controls hardware and software
Contribute to R&D and engineering projects between service assignments
Manage multiple technical projects and priorities
The Technology
Depending on the project or customer, you could work with:
Rockwell Automation | Studio 5000 | PLCs | PanelView Plus | VFDs | Servo Systems | Pro-face HMIs | Lenze | Ethernet | DeviceNet | AutoCAD | Robotics
Our equipment portfolio includes tray sealers, fillers, dosers, form-fill-seal systems, case erecting, automatic loading, sleeving, cartoning, flow wrapping, shrink wrapping, and vertical and horizontal thermoforming systems.
Required
What You'll Bring
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related discipline
Strong Rockwell PLC programming and troubleshooting experience
Experience with PLCs, VFDs, servo systems, and PanelView Plus
Experience using Studio 5000 or similar controls software
Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
Working knowledge of 2D AutoCAD
Familiarity with NEC and NFPA 70E
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Ability to work independently in a remote environment
Strong customer-facing communication skills
Valid driver's license and ability to obtain a passport
Even Better If You Have
Lenze servo experience
B&R PLC and servo experience
Omron PLC experience
Robotics experience
Pro-face HMI experience
Structured Text programming
High-speed packaging equipment experience
Automated manufacturing experience
Approximately 5+ years of field service, equipment maintenance, controls engineering, or related industrial automation experience is preferred.
Location & Travel
This is a fully remote position for candidates based in the Midwest United States.
Because this role provides technical support for customers and equipment in the field, travel may average up to approximately 60% based on business and customer needs.
When you're not traveling, you'll work from your home office supporting technical issues, programming, documentation, and engineering/R&D projects.
A flexible schedule is important, as customer support needs can vary.
Compensation
Final compensation will be based on relevant experience, technical expertise, and qualifications.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This role works across customer manufacturing, production, shop, and warehouse environments. The position requires the ability to move around industrial facilities, work around operating equipment, travel by car or air, and lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work arrangement
Yes