Job Title: Sr. Controls Engineer
Location: Wallingford, CT (on-site)
Employment Type: Full-time
Compensation: $110,000–$130,000 per year, depending on experience
Travel: Up to 10%, mainly for commissioning and support at customer sites
About Coleman DFM
Coleman DFM designs and builds custom precision automation equipment for leading medical device, semiconductor, and industrial manufacturers. Our systems include high-speed vision inspection machines, SCARA pick-and-place cells, precision measurement systems, and fluid and flow test stands. They run on production floors around the world, where uptime and accuracy are a must.
We are a small, experienced engineering team. Engineers here own their systems from concept through customer sign-off. You’ll see your work go from schematic to a running machine, and every project is different from the last.
The Role
As our Controls Engineer, you will own the control system on each machine we build. That covers process design, electrical design, panel build, PLC programming, integration, and commissioning. You’ll work closely with our mechanical engineers and directly with customers to deliver reliable machines on schedule.
What You’ll Do
- Design the control system for each machine. Develop the system functionality and process flow, the electrical design, schematics, and the bill of materials.
- Build what you design. Assemble and wire electrical panels and control components.
- Write the machine code. PLC programming experience on Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000), Mitsubishi (GX Works), or CODESYS-based platforms.
- Integrate the subsystems. Bring vision systems, robots, servo motion, and measurement instruments together into one working machine.
- Commission and troubleshoot. Test, debug, and commission systems in-house and at customer sites.
- Manage your controls scope. Keep the controls work on each project on schedule, and coordinate with the overall internal team and the customer.
- Produce clear documentation. Write operation manuals, electrical drawings, and procedures that customers can rely on.
Required Qualifications
- BS in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience
- [3–5]+ years of experience in machine controls or automation integration
- PLC programming in Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000), Mitsubishi (GX Works), or CODESYS-based platforms, using structured text and/or ladder logic.
- Electrical design experience with AutoCAD Electrical / EPLAN, including schematics and BOMs
- Working knowledge of industrial networks such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and Modbus TCP
- Hands-on panel building and wiring knowledge
- Strong troubleshooting skills on complex electromechanical systems
- Clear, direct communication with teammates and customers
Preferred Qualifications
- Servo and motion control programming
- Machine vision integration (Cognex / Keyence)
- Robot programming and integration (Epson / Denso SCARA or similar)
- Experience with high-speed measurement or precision inspection systems
- Background in medical device or semiconductor equipment, including validation documentation
- Experience managing project schedules and customer communication
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- End-to-end ownership of your systems, with real influence on how we engineer
- A small team where your work is visible and valued
How to Apply
Send your resume and a short note about a control system you’re proud of.
Coleman DFM is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran, or disability status.
Coleman DFM builds industrial automation equipment, specializing in high-speed, high-precision measurement systems. As part of our small and collaborative team, you will enjoy autonomy, flexibility, growth potential, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to every project we deliver.
