Industrial Automation/Controls Engineer (IIOT)

Job DescriptionJob Description

Job Title: Control Engineer – Industrial Automation & IIoT

Location: Columbus, IN, On-site
Employment Type: Contract

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled Control Engineer with expertise in Industrial Automation & IIoT (Industry 4.0) to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC programming, IIoT communication protocols, industrial networking, and troubleshooting complex automation systems. This role requires hands-on experience with machine controllers, control system architectures, and the integration of Robots, Cobots, IMRs, and AGVs with IIoT platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and configure machine controllers (Allen Bradley, Rockwell, Beckhoff, Rexroth) for IIoT integration.
• Design and implement industrial automation control systems and network architectures.
• Program and configure PLCs (Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley, Mazak CNC, Fanuc controllers) for seamless integration.
• Develop and document AS-IS and TO-BE process flows for automation projects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve communication issues between machines, PLCs, and IIoT systems.
• Work with tightening tool controllers (Atlas Copco, DC tools, Desouter, etc.) for IIoT integration.
• Implement and support IIoT communication protocols such as OPC UA/DA, MQTT, REST API, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus TCP/IP.
• Configure and manage OPC Servers (Kepware, etc.) for data exchange.
• Ensure network security and data governance compliance for IIoT applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive digital transformation initiatives in Industry 4.0.
• Support and troubleshoot IIoT deployments, connectivity failures, and automation stack integrations.

Must-Have Skills & Experience:

• Industrial Automation & Control Systems Experience – Strong understanding of control architectures, PLC programming, and automation integration.
• IIoT Communication Protocols & Standards – Expertise in OPC UA, MQTT, REST API, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP.
• Networking & IT Skills – Proficiency in Ethernet/IP, VLANs, routing, cybersecurity best practices.
• IIoT Platform & Solutions Expertise (Industry 4.0) – Hands-on experience with IIoT platforms, data analytics (Power BI), AI, and ML.
• Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving – Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving network and IIoT connectivity failures.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• 4-6 years of experience in industrial automation, IIoT systems, PLC programming, and IoT integrations.
• Hands-on experience with automation stack, data governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong background in cross-functional collaboration and change management in large-scale organizations.