Controls Automation Engineer

At NorthWind Technical Services, our engineers don't just deliver projects — they deliver confidence. Our customers trust us to keep their systems running, their processes optimized, and their operations moving forward.

Automation Engineers are the technical expert our customers rely on — from first diagnosis to final commissioning.

If you're the kind of engineer who genuinely enjoys figuring out why a system isn't behaving and then fixing it for good, this role was built for you.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Write PLC, HMI, and computer programs
• Test and validate proper function of existing systems; evaluate how the systems may be improved
• Travel to customer sites for evaluation of systems and for commissioning of software
• Train users and provide post project support
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work for multiple projects and for customers in a wide variety of industries
• Communicate with customers, vendors, and co-workers to develop best solutions that meet customer needs
• Gather Information by observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources
• Perform complex problem solving
• Diagnose system issues and customer problems and devise best solutions
• Proactively anticipate potential issues to circumvent development of problems
• Review and obtain relevant information to diagnose problems or system needs, develop, and evaluate options and then implement solutions.
• Proactively make timely decisions, often without the benefit of all of the information or consultation with your supervisor
• National and international travel is required

*This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. *

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology to include applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of automation projects
• Knowledge of pneumatic conveying, extrusion, drying, separating, and compounding, weighing, and batching, and continuous processes etc.
• Fluent use of MS Word; Excel; PowerPoint; GroupWise; EPLAN; PromiseE, AutoCAD; RSLOGIX 5000; RSView; Microsoft Visual Basic.

Required Qualifications:

BS Degree in Engineering - Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Chemical

Preferred Characteristics:

• Ability to build effective relationships that are focused on integrity and trust
• An attitude of dedication to achieve professional success
• A focus on serving internal and external customers with respect, understanding, and empathy
• Ability and willingness to recognize the intrinsic value of every person
• Drive and curiosity to explore new technology and innovation for continued growth and improvement

Physical Abilities/Work Environment:

Includes but is not limited to the following:

• Climbing, kneeling, lifting
• Occasionally exerting up to 20-50 pounds of force
• Use of power drills and drive motor vehicles – must have a valid driver’s license
• Potential exposure to extreme temperatures but in general, normal office conditions

Because our customers aren't just accounts — they're partners. And our engineers aren't just problem solvers — they're the reason those partnerships hold. When you join NorthWind, you join a team that takes customer success personally and has the technical depth to back it up.

Your work will run real systems, solve real challenges, and make a measurable difference for the people and businesses that depend on us.