Mechatronics Controls Engineer
Electrical Engineering
.NET
Allen-Bradley
Automation
Control Systems
Design Engineering
Electrical Design
Hmi/scada
Hydraulic Systems
Industrial Automation
Industrial Protocols
Instrumentation And Control
Machine Safety
Machine Vision
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics
Motor Controls
Plc Languages
PLC Programming
Pneumatic Systems
Programming Language
Programming Languages
Robotics
Rockwell Automation
SCADA
Sensors And Instrumentation
Software Development
Software Engineering
Job Description
Columbia Machine Inc in Vancouver, WA is seeking a Mechatronics Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, programming, integration, testing, and commissioning of automated machinery. This role blends electrical controls, robotics, software, SCADA, and mechanical disciplines throughout the product lifecycle, with hands-on collaboration across engineering teams and direct engagement with customers to optimize performance.
Responsibilities
- Develop, program, test, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, motion control, SCADA, and robotic systems.
- Configure and commission controls systems, servo drives, VFDs, industrial networks, sensors, and vision systems.
- Design machine control logic, safety circuits, and operational sequences.
- Develop and maintain automation standards, reusable software modules, and engineering documentation.
- Support remote diagnostics, troubleshooting, and performance improvements.
- Mentor newer engineers and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
- Design electro‑mechanical subsystems including actuators, conveyors, robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, sensors, and machine interfaces.
- Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers, and service teams to ensure seamless integration of machine systems.
- Participate in machine risk assessments and safety reviews.
- Evaluate new technologies and recommend improvements to performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
- Perform system validation and functional testing during assembly and startup.
- Assist in prototype development and R&D activities for new products and enhancements.
- Support troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, software, and systems integration issues.
- Analyze machine performance data and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Support projects from concept through design, manufacturing, installation, and customer acceptance.
- Generate Bills of Material (BOMs), I/O lists, functional specifications, operators’ manuals, and engineering documentation.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet project schedules and customer requirements.
- Provide technical support to Sales, Manufacturing, Service, and Customer Care teams.
- Travel to customer sites for startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, optimization, and training activities.
- Work directly with customers to diagnose and resolve equipment performance issues.
- Support machine upgrades, retrofits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, robotics, or machine design.
Technologies
- Rockwell, Mitsubishi
- FactoryTalk ME, FactoryTalk View SE
- Indramat, Yaskawa
- EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP
- Structured Text, Python, C#
- PLC Programming, HMI Development, SCADA Development
- Motion Control and Servo Systems, Industrial Robotics
- Sensors and Instrumentation, Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems
- Industrial Electrical Design, Machine Safety Standards
- Electrical and Mechanical Schematics, Control Panel Design
- Machine Vision Systems
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Field Support
- Travel to customer sites for startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, optimization, and training activities.
- Work directly with customers to diagnose and resolve equipment performance issues.
- Support machine upgrades, retrofits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Travel
- Up to 30% travel based on project requirements.
- Efforts are made for advance notice, however urgent situations may require short notice travel.
- Travel up to 3 weeks in duration prior to returning home.
Schedule
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Willingness to Travel
- 25% (Required)
Knowledge
- PLC Programming (Rockwell and Mitsubishi)
- HMI Development (FactoryTalk ME and Mitsubishi)
- SCADA Development (FactoryTalk View SE)
- Motion Control and Servo Systems (Rockwell and Indramat)
- Industrial Robotics (Yaskawa)
- EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP
- Basic programming/scripting (Structured Text, Python, C#, or equivalent)
- Sensors and Instrumentation, Pneumatic Systems, Hydraulic Systems
- Industrial Electrical Design, Machine Safety Standards
- Electrical and Mechanical Schematics, Control Panel Design
- Machine Vision Systems
Success Measures
- Delivers projects on schedule and within budget
- Produces reliable, maintainable control systems
- Supports successful equipment startup and customer acceptance
- Reduces machine downtime through effective design and troubleshooting
- Contributes to continuous product improvement and innovation
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