Controls Engineer III

Controls Engineer III

Our Culture:

Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado

SOMOS IWT is an OEM that manufactures an end-to-end solution for many customers that need slicing and grinding solutions. Our customers work in a variety of industries, including medical, defense, precision optics, electronic sensors, watches, and green technologies like EV, solar, and fuel cells.

Our 20+ employee family-owned company have an entrepreneurial spirit focused on innovation. We have a casual, high-energy, results-oriented culture and are excited about our business and the ability to contribute to the success of the group. With a full range of competitive benefits including a generous paid time off program and 401k match, our employees can enjoy time away from work in one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

SOMOS IWT INC is an Equal Opportunity Employer which promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment with mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing as required.

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Controls Engineer at SOMOS IWT, you will develop some of the most advanced industrial automation equipment in the world. You’ll design and implement control systems for applications such as slicing, polishing, and material handling across industries like Medical, Defense, EV, Optics, and Semiconductor.

This role involves complete lifecycle ownership of control systems—from requirements gathering and component selection to cabinet layout, PLC/HMI programming, prototyping, and deployment. In addition to control system design, this role will contribute to the development of higher-level software applications for equipment monitoring, data acquisition, and integration with enterprise systems.

You will report to the Engineering Manager and collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers. This is a hands-on role requiring direct interaction with machinery, frequent troubleshooting, and prototype iteration.

Opportunity to contribute to R&D initiatives and help shape future automation technologies.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related field; or equivalent work experience

Experience

· 5+ years of hands-on experience with industrial automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, drives, and sensors

· Strong programming skills in object-oriented languages (C++, Python, or Java).

· Experience with databases (SQL, NoSQL) for logging and traceability.

· Familiarity with software version control (Git) and agile development practices.

· Knowledge of industrial IoT frameworks or edge computing environments.

· Experience deploying software on Windows/Linux environments in production.

· Strong servo motor tuning experience (including large inertia mismatch configurations)

· Motion experience strongly desired

· Proficient in high-performance PID tuning

· Familiar with common industrial communication protocols

· Comfortable with physical assembly, debugging, and mechanical troubleshooting

· Experience with SCADA/MES integration and software architecture preferred

· Certifications in automation or vendor-specific platforms (e.g., Beckhoff, Yaskawa)

Duties and responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

· Program PLCs in Ladder Logic, Structured Text (STL), SFC, Codesys, TwinCAT, or similar environments.

· Develop and maintain data acquisition and analysis tools to interface with control systems.

· Implement SCADA/MES connectivity, APIs, and middleware for factory integration.

· Create custom software modules (C++/Python) to extend control system functionality.

· Design and document modular software architectures that scale across multiple machine platforms.

· Develop HMI interfaces using Weintek and Ignition platforms

· Configure and integrate drives and PLCs from Beckhoff, Bosch Rexroth, Yaskawa, AutomationDirect, Applied Motion Products, and others

· Design and document control panel layouts and system architecture

· Own entire control system lifecycle—from requirement gathering to integration and testing

· Document software, electrical schematics, and system behavior for future maintenance

· Debug and iterate prototypes until production-ready performance is achieved

· Ensure proper tuning of servo and stepper motor systems, especially in high-inertia applications

· Work with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, SERCOS)

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform this role.

· Must be capable of assembling prototypes and control cabinets

· Ability to lift and move items up to 50 lbs.

· Work environment includes time spent in the office, electronics lab, and on the production floor. PPE may be required.

· Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities

· Ability to work overtime as needed (paid)

Travel

· Up to 20% travel to key suppliers or customers

o Weekend travel on a case-by-case basis

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

· Salary Range: $115,000–$136,000 (commensurate with experience)

· Full-time, Exempt Position

· Comprehensive health insurance

· 401(k) match

· Generous PTO

· Work in a collaborative and high-ownership engineering culture

FLSA & EMPLOYMENT STATUS

· Full Time Exempt

HOW TO APPLY

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity,

alienage or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. By completing this application, you are seeking to join a team of hardworking professionals dedicated to consistently delivering outstanding service to our customers and contributing to the financial success of the organization, its clients, and its employees. Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact a management representative.]

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.