Job Description
Insight Global is looking for remote Controls Engineers to support an internal Controls Engineering capability by reducing dependency on external integrators and owning the complete automation lifecycle—from standards development and software architecture to commissioning, troubleshooting, and long-term support. The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, programming, and supporting industrial automation and conveyance control systems within highly automated warehouse and material handling environments. This role focuses on hands-on PLC, HMI, and SCADA software development using Rockwell Automation and Ignition platforms to ensure safe, reliable, and high-performing automation operations.
• This Controls Engineer position supports the design, implementation, commissioning, and continuous improvement of automation systems across our Supply Chain network.
• Design and develop PLC, HMI, SCADA, and automation software.
• Commission and support large-scale material handling systems.
• Integrate PLCs with WCS, WES, WMS, Ignition, databases, and enterprise applications.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, network, and software issues.
• Develop reusable engineering standards, AOIs, UDTs, and software libraries.
• Support site startups, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, IT, vendors, and engineering teams.
• During today's interview, we'll focus on your technical experience, the projects you've worked on, how you approach engineering challenges, and how you've contributed to successful project delivery.
The engineer will develop and integrate control systems for conveyors, motors, servo systems, and industrial equipment while supporting communication between PLCs and higher-level enterprise systems such as WES, WMS, and MES platforms. This role also requires strong expertise in industrial networking, motion control, safety systems, and real-time data exchange technologies to support scalable and efficient plant-wide automation solutions.
Additionally, the Controls Engineer will troubleshoot complex automation and communication issues, support commissioning and system optimization activities, and ensure all controls solutions comply with applicable electrical, safety, and industrial standards including ANSI, OSHA, NFPA 79, and UL 508A.
50% Design and Implementation - Lead or assist in control systems design projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications and safety regulations.
30% Collaboration - Collaborates and works closely with other departments including operations, maintenance, and IT, to ensure seamless project execution and adherence to timelines and budgets.
20% Coding of Control Systems - Coding of control systems for conveyor and other automation solutions to improve efficiency and performance. Also conducts feasibility studies and cost analysis for potential projects.
Location: 100% remote with up to 50% travel required
Pay rate: between 50-70/hr determined by the hiring manager during interview process with client
We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.
Required Skills & Experience
4+ years of experience in controls engineering, with a focus on automation and conveyor systems.
In-depth knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and other control technologies.
Familiarity with industry standards and safety regulations (e.g. OSHA. ISO).
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Proven technical experience with implementation of conveyor systems and/or experience in replacing legacy conveyor systems with new control systems in a large-scale retail, distribution, or enterprise environment.
Experience with the following:
Design industrial automation software.
Troubleshoot controls, networking, and communication issues.
Integrate PLCs with higher-level systems (WCS, WES, WMS, SCADA).
Develop scalable, maintainable automation standards.
Commission and support automation systems independently.
Communicate effectively with Operations, IT, vendors, and engineering teams.
Software / PLC (software architecture / code organization / standards development / reusable code)
• Rockwell Studio 5000
• Developing AOIs, UDTs
• Motion Control
• Structured Text
• Ladder Logic
• VFD Integration
• Ignition
• SCADA
• SQL Databases
Controls Hardware (configuration / diagnostics / commissioning / electrical troubleshooting)
• PowerFlex Drives
• Servo Systems
• High-Speed Barcode Readers
• Label Printers
• Safety Controllers
• Distributed I/O
• Industrial Networks
Systems Integration (application layer protocols / socket communication / CIP Messaging)
• PLC ↔ WCS/WES/MES/WMS communication
• PLC ↔ Database communication
• PLC ↔ Ignition integration
• PLC ↔ Barcode scanners
• PLC ↔ Label printers
• Message acknowledgements
• Error handling
• Timeout recovery
Communication Protocols
• TCP Client / Server architecture
• Socket lifecycle (Create, Open, Read, Write, Close)
• ASCII messaging
• STX / ETX framing
• Sequence numbers
• Message acknowledgements
• Retry logic
• Heartbeats
• Timeouts
• Message validation
• Error handling
• Application-layer protocols
Application Layer Communications
• TCP vs UDP
• Client vs Server roles
• Socket Create / Open / Read / Write / Delete
• PLC implementation using MSG instructions
• State machine design
• Reconnection strategy
• Duplicate message handling
• Communication recovery after network failures
Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.