Controls Engineer
ProActive · Port Clinton, OH
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at ProActive (industrial) in Port Clinton, OH. Help develop and improve the company's controls engineering processes and capabilities.
- They ask for
- 5+ years
- Tools it names
- PLC, Automation
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 26, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Ohio: typical posted base $100k–$148k.
Median of the low and high ends of 6 live postings that list pay, out of 27 controls engineer openings in Ohio, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Ohio plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 26 other live controls postings in Ohio.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $100k–$148k, from 6 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 78%
- ✓ Automation 78%
- Robotics 67%
- Team leadership 33%
- Root cause 30%
- Lean 26%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at ProActive
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from ProActiveAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Develop PLC software from scratch using Rockwell Studio 5000 and/or Siemens TIA Portal.
- ◆Design reusable function blocks, AOIs and structured PLC software architectures.
- ◆Create and maintain programming standards, engineering documentation and training materials.
- ◆Support controls software development from initial design through testing, FAT and commissioning.
- ◆Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver high-quality automation systems.
- ◆Help develop and improve the company's controls engineering processes and capabilities.
Requirements
- ✓5+ years' experience within Controls Engineering.
- ✓Previous experience working with a Tier 1 warehouse automation integrator.
- ✓Strong background in parcel automation systems.
- ✓Proven experience developing PLC software from the ground up.
- ✓Expert knowledge of Rockwell Studio 5000 and/or Siemens TIA Portal.
- ✓Experience creating reusable function blocks, AOIs and structured PLC programming architectures.
- ✓Full project lifecycle experience, from controls design through commissioning.
- ✓Experience producing engineering documentation and programming standards.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
- •$130 000
- •Port Clinton, Ohio (25% travel required, with one week per month spent in the office alongside the engineering team).
The employer specialises in the warehouse automation and material handling industry, supporting the development of advanced automation solutions for leading logistics and parcel operations. The company is investing heavily in the growth of its controls engineering capability and offers engineers the opportunity to influence technical standards, software architecture and the future direction of a growing business. They have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Controls Engineer to join their team. This position is well-suited to a technically driven and innovative engineer who is looking to take ownership of controls software development and help build best-in-class automation solutions from the ground up.
Reasons why you should apply
- •Opportunity to play a key role in shaping controls engineering standards and software architecture within a growing automation business.
- •A development-focused engineering position rather than a traditional commissioning or support role.
- •Work with an experienced controls team on next-generation warehouse automation solutions.
- •Opportunity to influence best practices and help build a world-class controls engineering capability.
- •Excellent opportunity for an experienced automation engineer looking for technical ownership and long-term career growth.
How to Apply
For more information on the role, or an informal discussion regarding opportunities we have available, please contact Tara - T.Gain@proactiveglobal.com
Why work with Proactive?
Proactive Global is an industry leading, specialist engineering recruitment agency focused on the automation, manufacturing and advanced technology sectors. We offer specialist recruitment services to a niche customer base, vetting that our clients offer the best opportunities for your career. Proactive encourages and promotes equality and diversity within the workforce. We act with honesty, integrity and impartiality, ensuring your application is considered on its own merits and without bias.
When registering with Proactive you will have the opportunity to apply for some of the most interesting, specialist opportunities in the marketplace, with the biggest companies in the sector. Follow us on Linkedin and Facebook for industry news and download our app for live notifications about newly listed vacancies. We look forward to helping you find your next role!
Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.