Responsive recruiter
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
Controls Engineer
Location: Wilmington, NC
Job Type: Full-time, On-site
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
About Wilmington Machinery
Wilmington Machinery is a recognized leader in designing and manufacturing large-scale low-pressure injection molding (structural foam), injection molding, and blow molding machinery. We serve a global customer base and are dedicated to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to develop, program, and optimize electrical control systems for our machinery. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with mechanical and electrical engineering to deliver reliable, high-performance machines, ensure compliance with industry standards, and support manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities
• PLC & HMI Development – Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC and HMI systems using ladder logic and other industrial programming languages to ensure seamless machine control
• Electrical System Design – Design electrical control panels, select components, and create schematic drawings
• Machine Integration – Work closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to develop efficient hardware-software interfaces for large machines with significant hydraulic, pneumatic, and motion systems
• Safety & Compliance – Ensure designs meet industry safety standards, including NFPA 79 and applicable machine safety requirements
• Manufacturing Support – Assist manufacturing personnel in troubleshooting and resolving electrical and control system issues on the production floor
• Customer Requirements – Develop control solutions that meet customer specifications while ensuring manufacturability and long-term reliability
• Continuous Improvement – Implement innovative control strategies to improve machine performance, cycle time, and process consistency
• Technical Support – Provide expertise in diagnosing and resolving control system and electrical malfunctions
Qualifications & Skills
Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field preferred; strong candidates with an Associate’s degree and extensive relevant experience will be considered
Experience
• Minimum 5 years in a similar controls engineering role, preferably in industrial automation or custom machinery manufacturing
• Experience with plastics processing equipment or large primary processing machinery (injection molding, structural foam, or blow molding) strongly preferred
Technical Expertise
• Strong proficiency in ladder logic programming (Allen-Bradley preferred; Siemens experience a plus)
• Experience with HMI development and integration
• Solid knowledge of electrical wiring practices and machine tool control systems
• Understanding of AC/DC motors, power distribution, servo systems, VFDs, and industrial automation
• Familiarity with motion control and hydraulic/pneumatic system integration on large industrial machines
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software for electrical schematics
Soft Skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively in a cross-functional team
What We Offer
• Competitive pay with overtime opportunities
• Per diem, travel reimbursement, and company credit card
• 401(k) with company match
• Health and dental insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Tight-knit team culture with direct access to engineering and manufacturing
Additional Information
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check
• This is an on-site position in Wilmington, NC
Compensation: $105,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Company
Since 1972, Wilmington Machinery has been designing and building the highest quality custom and standard high-speed rotary blow molding machines and structural plastic machines in the industry.
By combining innovative concepts with our expertise and proven technology, we provide every customer with effective, dependable solutions. Wilmington Machinery approaches each new project with a “can-do” attitude and a sincere commitment to satisfaction. Our experienced engineers work with each customer to build a machine that will enhance processing methods and improve the bottom line.
By combining innovative concepts with our expertise and proven technology, we provide every customer with effective, dependable solutions. Wilmington Machinery approaches each new project with a “can-do” attitude and a sincere commitment to satisfaction. Our experienced engineers work with each customer to build a machine that will enhance processing methods and improve the bottom line.
Wilmington Machinery is dedicated to satisfying every customer’s needs with our engineering expertise and commitment to customer service and support. Few machinery companies today possess a facility like Wilmington Machinery’s extensive development laboratory, where new products and processes are continually being born. Capabilities include mold design, plastic material trials, part sampling and small production runs.
Knowledge, flexibility, strong technical leadership and commitment to excellence: these are Wilmington Machinery’s core principles that strengthen customer relationships and lead to superior results. We will pave the road to success through automation, quality output, and increased productivity.
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