Controls Engineer (PLC/Automation) – Contract | Tonawanda, NY (Onsite)
Location: Onsite in Tonawanda, NY
Schedule: 1st, 2nd, 3rd options
Type: W2 Contract (52 weeks) (Full-Time conversion considered after 6 months)
Overtime: ~10+ hrs/week (50 hrs/week typical)
Travel: Up to 20% (occasional support trips to Michigan)
Pay: $51-$57.27 / hour
~Visa sponsorship not available~
About the Role
We are hiring Controls Engineers to support a high-volume manufacturing plant producing engines for major vehicle platforms, including Corvette. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role focused on maintaining and improving automation systems to support production.
This role offers strong long-term potential, including possible conversion to a full-time employee after ~6 months.
Schedule & Work Environment
- Shift options:
- 1st: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- 2nd: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- 3rd: 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM
- Assigned to one shift (not rotating, but MUST be available to work any shift in case someone is unavailable)
- 2–3 weekend shifts per month (including holidays)
- Onsite, 5 days/week (no remote)
- Fast-paced manufacturing floor environment
What You’ll Do
- Support production by troubleshooting and maintaining automation systems
- Diagnose and resolve issues with PLCs, robotics, and control systems
- Read and troubleshoot electrical schematics and machine control circuits
- Participate in shift hand-off meetings and track priority issues
- Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams
- Support continuous improvement and automation projects
Top Required Skills
- Experience working on the manufacturing floor, on your feet most of the day
- Machine controls experience (Robotics, test systems, PLC, instrumentation, vision systems)
Preferred Experience
- Automotive or high-volume manufacturing
- Robotics (Fanuc preferred)
- Industrial networks (EtherNet/IP)
- Servo drives, motion control, VFDs
- Vision systems (Matrox, Cognex, Dalsa)
- HMI systems, automation controls
Qualifications
- 2–3 years relevant experience (flexible for strong candidates)
- High School diploma + hands-on experience OR
- Technical degree (Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, Engineering Tech) with co-op/internship experience
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