Controls Engineer

Piper Companies is actively seeking Controls Engineer to join an innovative R&D organization focused on designing and building next‑generation automated machinery. These positions are direct hire and are on-site in Durham, NC. This team operates at the intersection of automation and modern software engineering, developing cutting‑edge, high‑speed systems from concept through deployment.

Responsibilities of the Controls Engineer:

• Design, program, and debug PLC/PAC systems using IEC 61131‑3 languages (Ladder Logic, Structured Text)
• Develop automation solutions for new machine builds, taking systems from concept through implementation
• Integrate I/O systems using industrial protocols (EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, IO‑Link)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, R&D, scientists) to deliver system functionality
• Support HMI development and interface design for machine interaction
• Troubleshoot and validate controls systems using electrical tools and diagnostics
• Utilize source control (Git) for version management, collaboration, and deployment
• Participate in commissioning, including limited travel for customer installations

Qualifications of the Controls Engineer:

• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering for industrial machinery (Senior level)
• Experience beyond basic ladder logic programming, including structured text or object‑oriented approaches
• Experience working across multiple PLC platforms (not limited to Allen Bradley)
• Strong troubleshooting experience with controls panels and electrical systems
• Familiarity with modern development practices, including source control (Git)
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT, Codesys, or similar platforms preferred
• Exposure to motion control, HMI development, and industrial networking protocols
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Nice to Have:

• Experience with electrical panel design
• Familiarity with CAD tools (AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks)
• MTR certification or similar

Compensation for the Controls Engineer:

• Salary: $80,000 – $125,000 + 5% bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, and additional benefits

Additional Details:

• Travel: 1–2 trips per year for installations (a few days to one week)
• Work Environment: R&D-focused, highly collaborative team of 8–10 controls engineers
• Opportunity to own features and subsystems, with senior engineers providing technical leadership

This job opens for applications on 5/12/2026. Applications will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords:

Controls Engineer, PLC, Ladder Logic, Structured Text, TwinCAT, Codesys, Automation, Industrial Machinery, R&D, Machine Building, Git, Source Control, HMI, Motion Control, Electrical Design, EtherCAT, Modbus, IO-Link, DevOps, Manufacturing, Robotics

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