Controls Engineer

Lightera • Avon, CT

10d

About The Position

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in
American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of
the telephone more than a century ago.  We have a proven track record of being
first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors,
ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and
more.  Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by
designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and
components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates
value for our shareholders, customers and employees.  To do so, we must continue
shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the
challenges our customers will continually face.

We currently seek a Controls Engineer to join our division located in Avon, CT,
and help support our continued business growth.

This position is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of
control systems across our fiber optics manufacturing facility. This role
requires a strong foundation in industrial automation, a passion for learning
new technologies, and the initiative to identify opportunities for automation
and drive projects from concept through deployment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or Computer Engineering Technology preferred; or have 2+ years of directly related industrial experience
• Foundational understanding of programming language and structure in any language and the drive to learn and understand PLC and control specific languages if not already familiar.(Ladder Logic, Python…)
• Basic electrical/control system design and troubleshooting methodology.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills – ability to work through complex technical challenges methodically.
• Eagerness to learn new platforms, languages, and systems.
• Must be able to write procedures, troubleshooting guides and software documentation.
• Ability to create/modify engineering drawings (wiring, equipment layout, etc.) utilizing AutoCad or similar software.
• Bring a constructive, team-focused mindset and a willingness to take on challenges

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, integrate, and troubleshoot control systems for new and old equipment and processes using PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA platforms
• Develop Ignition SCADA/MES integrations for real-time visualization, data collection, and process control
• Write and modify PLC programs (ladder logic, function block, structured text) to support new products, procedures, and process improvements
• Integrate control systems with MES, CMMS, and database systems (SQL Server)
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, MQTT, OPC UA, Serial)
• Work as part of a greater team (Mechanical Engineers, Project Managers, Customers, Vendors etc)
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance process efficiency and data traceability.
• Conform to all applicable safety standards for industrial machinery
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including health, dental, vision and well-being.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with a generous match and no vesting period.
• Tuition assistance, on-the-job training and opportunities for growth and advancement. We promote from within. 
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program and paid holidays.
• Casual work environment, PPE, safety eyeglass and shoe allowance.
• Clean, climate-controlled, modern facility with state of the art equipment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level