Experienced Controls Engineer

Build custom machines that turn demanding manufacturing requirements into working automation.

PAR Systems is seeking a Controls Engineer with a strong Beckhoff background to join our Advanced Manufacturing team. Our systems support challenging aerospace and defense applications, including precision cutting and trimming, robotic and configurable fixtures, drilling, and friction stir welding.  In this role, you will develop controls and software for custom machines where coordinated motion, process control, and reliable operation are essential. You will bring hands-on TwinCAT experience to project delivery while helping expand our Beckhoff expertise, reusable software, and engineering practices.

We welcome candidates at the Advanced or Senior Engineer level. Placement will reflect your technical depth, independence, project ownership, and ability to guide others.

What you’ll do

• Translate customer and machine requirements into controls architectures, software designs, and test plans.
• Develop modular, maintainable machine-control software using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and IEC 61131-3 Structured Text.
• Configure and commission Beckhoff controllers, EtherCAT networks, I/O, servo drives, and connected devices.
• Implement and tune motion control, including axis sequencing, synchronization, and coordinated movement.
• Develop machine operating modes, process sequences, interlocks, alarms, diagnostics, and recovery behavior.
• Integrate operator interfaces, instrumentation, robots, and PC applications with the machine-control system.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, and process engineers to resolve system interfaces and design challenges.
• Test software through simulation and staged integration, then support machine power-up, debugging, Factory Acceptance Testing, and customer-site commissioning.
• Troubleshoot issues across software, electrical hardware, motion systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Contribute reusable libraries, coding standards, documentation, and technical reviews. Share your Beckhoff knowledge and mentor other engineers.

What you bring

• A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.
• Typically five or more years of controls or automation engineering experience, with demonstrated responsibility for delivering automated equipment.
• Substantial hands-on experience developing and commissioning Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 applications. Your experience includes implementing machine functionality and bringing it into operation.
• Strong Structured Text programming skills and experience organizing software into reusable function blocks and clear interfaces.
• Practical experience configuring and troubleshooting EtherCAT networks, I/O, and servo systems.
• Experience implementing motion control, commissioning axes, tuning drives, and diagnosing motion performance.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot interactions between software and physical equipment.
• Clear communication, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to follow technical issues through resolution.
• Willingness to travel for installation and commissioning.

Experience that would strengthen your application

• TwinCAT NC PTP, NC I, or CNC applications involving coordinated motion and interpolated toolpaths.
• Robotics, custom kinematics, coordinate transformations, or path-controlled manufacturing.
• TwinSAFE programming and machine safety validation.
• TwinCAT HMI or other industrial operator-interface development.
• ADS communication and integration with C#, C++, Python, or web applications.
• Git, object-oriented programming, automated testing, and reusable software-library development.
• Simulation, virtual commissioning, or digital machine models.
• Precision manufacturing, process instrumentation, force control, or closed-loop process control.
• Experience with Siemens, B&R, or Rockwell platforms.
• AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar electrical design tools.

You do not need experience with every preferred technology to apply. We are especially interested in engineers who combine strong Beckhoff fundamentals with curiosity, practical troubleshooting skills, and ownership of completed machines.