Controls Engineer — UL508A Panel Design & PLC/HMI Programming

📍 Buford, GA | Full-Time

🏢 Applied Industrial Controls (AIC), an MCE Company | Reports to: General Manager

At Applied Industrial Controls (AIC), our Controls Engineers are the technical core of everything we do. From our UL508A certified panel shop in Buford, GA, you'll design and build custom industrial control panels, program PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs, and deliver turnkey automation solutions to OEM, industry, and municipal customers across the Southeast. You'll work with leading platforms Siemens, ABB, Eaton, Mitsubishi using EPLAN Electric P8 to bring complex system designs from concept to commissioning.

If you're a seasoned controls engineer who can own a project end to end, communicate with customers and panel builders alike, and deliver quality work under tight deadlines this role is built for you.

Compensation & Benefits

We take care of our team with a full benefits package:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) with a generous company match.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Voluntary benefit products.

What You'll Do

Panel Design & Engineering

• Design industrial control panels to UL508A and CSA 22.2 standards in full compliance with NEC codes.
• Use EPLAN Electric P8 to create 2D/3D electrical schematics, panel layouts, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using preferred vendors.
• Select components to meet project specifications — sensors, VFDs, overloads, MSPs, contactors, pilot devices, HMIs, PLCs, circuit protection, and enclosures.
• Develop and maintain As-Built drawings, document all design changes, and preserve all related project correspondence.

PLC, HMI & VFD Programming

• Program PLCs (ladder logic), Smart Relays, HMIs, and VFDs to meet customer sequence of operations and performance requirements.
• Commission VFDs and configure industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet, and Modbus 485.
• Pursue and maintain Siemens PLC programming and ABB VFD certifications.

Project Ownership & Customer Management

• Read and analyze project plans and specifications; create submittals and identify any exceptions clearly and proactively.
• Quote projects accurately including engineering time and materials and deliver quotes in a timely manner.
• Review and report costs to assist project managers in meeting budget requirements; adapt quickly to project changes and supplier issues with alternative components or design modifications.
• Work directly with customers to manage project flow, resolve issues, and keep stakeholders aligned on quality and schedule.
• Build and maintain relationships with key vendors to ensure preferred component availability and pricing.