job summary: A Controls Engineer is needed for a manufacturing company considered one of the world's leading innovators in materials science in the Hickory, NC area. This position will develop and manage PLC automation systems for fiber optic production, mentoring engineers and driving process improvements. location: Hickory, North Carolina job type: Contract salary: $41.42 - 48.45 per hour work hours: 8am to 5pm education: Bachelors responsibilities: Create and modify PLC programs for fiber optic cable production.Design and implement new control systems projects.Mentor and train junior controls engineers.Manage controls engineering scope for: Process improvement, Capital expansion & Obsolescence mitigation projects.Implement robust, cost-effective automation and machine control systems.Collaborate with external system integrators to deliver integrated process equipment.Participate in all project phases: Design, Fabrication, Off-line integration and testing, Installation, Production start-up, Personnel training &Technology transfer.Oversee equipment construction at vendor facilities. Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.4+ years of manufacturing experience with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and automation equipment.Alternate engineering degrees considered with relevant work experience. Required Skills: Allen Bradley ControlLogix v20+ PLC programming (ladder logic, structured text, FBD).AutoCAD Electrical 2023: Electrical schematics, Control panel layouts & Component documentationstrong troubleshooting and process problem-solving skills.HMI/SCADA programming experience in a plant environment.Understanding of: Electrical design practices, Machine/motion control systems, Electro-mechanical systems, VFD and servo programming & Communication protocols.Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and other safety standards.Adherence to safety procedures (e.g., Lock-Out Tag-Out).Collaborate with support technicians on equipment issues.Execute assignments independently and thoroughly in team-based settings. Desired Skills: Experience with extrusion and cable winding processes.Entrepreneurial mindset (ability to design new control systems from scratch).Visionary thinking (ability to see and communicate the big picture).Familiarity with legacy control systems and networks.OSI PI historian interface experience.Experience with iFIX 5.9+.Beckhoff PLC knowledge.strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. #LI-SM1 qualifications: Experience level: ExperiencedEducation: Bachelors skills: ControlsPLCHMISCADAAutomation Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com. Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility). This posting is open for thirty (30) days.