Role & seniority: Hands-on Automation / Controls Engineer on night shift; on-the-floor troubleshooting and controls subject-matter expert. Potential path to full-time employment with the client.

Location & work type: Fort Wayne, IN. Long-term contract with potential contract-to-hire. Night shift (6:00 pm–6:00 am) with alternating weeks and weekends.

Stack / tools: Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs; Ladder Logic; Structured Text; VFDs; industrial networks; CAD software for control system design (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical/CAD).

Top 3 responsibilities

Provide on-shift troubleshooting for PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment; diagnose PLCs, drives, motion systems, and networks.
Support and coach maintenance electricians during breakdowns; collaborate with maintenance leadership and production teams.
Identify and implement machine reliability improvements; interface with internal engineering and external support as needed.

Must-have skills

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience.
2–5+ years in industrial automation/controls in manufacturing.
Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs; Ladder Logic, Structured Text; VFDs.
Familiarity with electrical design standards and CAD-based control system design.
Ability to work night shift/weekends.

Nice-to-have

Robotics experience (Fanuc or Yaskawa); vision systems (Cognex, Keyence).
AutoCAD Electrical or controls design experience; broad

Full Description

About the Role We are seeking a hands-on Automation / Controls Engineer to support a large, highly automated manufacturing facility in the Fort Wayne area. This role is focused on night-shift, on-the-floor troubleshooting, supporting maintenance electricians, and improving machine reliability. You will be working with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs. If you enjoy solving real-time problems, working directly with production equipment, and being the go-to controls expert on shift, this role is built for you. This is a great opportunity that can lead to full-time employment with the client.

Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Pay: $55 - $63/hr

Job Type: Long-term contract (with the possibility of Contract-to-Hire)

Shift: 6:00pm - 6:00am (alternating weeks and weekends) (Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday one week; Wednesday, Thursday the next) What You Will Do Provide on-shift troubleshooting support for PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment Support and coach maintenance electricians during breakdowns Diagnose issues with PLCs, drives, motion systems, and industrial networks Help identify and implement machine reliability improvements Work closely with maintenance leadership and production teams Interface with internal engineering teams and outside support as needed What We Are Looking For

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience
2–5+ years supporting industrial automation or controls in manufacturing
Hands-on experience troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLC systems
Experience with Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and VFDs
Familiarity with electrical design standards and the ability to develop control system designs using industry-standard CAD software
Comfortable working night shift and weekends

Nice to Have

Robotics experience (Fanuc or Yaskawa)
Vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, etc.)
AutoCAD Electrical or controls design experience
Mechatronics background
Why Join Us?
This is a long-term opportunity to work hands-on with advanced, highly automated manufacturing equipment while serving as the on-shift technical authority for controls and automation. You’ll play a critical role in keeping production running, supporting maintenance teams, and improving equipment reliability—without being stuck behind a desk. If you’re an Automation or Controls Engineer who enjoys real-time problem solving, night-shift work, and making a direct impact on operations, we encourage you to apply today.

Controls / Automation Engineer