Controls Engineer I

Forge Nano · Thornton, CO

Apply on Forge Nano ↗

Level: Engineer
Team: Controls
Base pay: $80k–$90k
Degree: Required
Experience asked: 2+ years
Industry: Industrial
Posted: Recently

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Forge Nano (industrial) in Thornton, CO.

They ask for: 2+ years · degree required
Tools it names: Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Automation
Base pay: $80k–$90k

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 26, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in Colorado: typical posted base $97k–$145k. This one lists $80k–$90k.

Median of the low and high ends of 12 live postings that list pay, out of 16 controls engineer openings in Colorado, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Colorado plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 15 other live controls postings in Colorado.

Base pay: About 30% below similar roles
Experience asked: Less than usual (2+ vs 7+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ Automation 75%
✓ PLC 69%
✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 44%
Robotics 38%
✓ Root cause 31%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 2+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

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 Forge Nano
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 Forge NanoAs posted on their careers site.Show

Position Summary

Forge Nano is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Controls Engineer I to join the Engineering Design and Manufacturing Team. Reporting to the Senior Engineer, this position will support the development, testing, documentation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automation systems, control logic, and safety schemes for Semiconductor ALD Production Equipment.

The ideal candidate is eager to develop expertise in industrial automation and controls while working in a fast-paced engineering environment. This individual will collaborate closely with Controls Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to support equipment development, software implementation, commissioning, and process optimization. The Controls Engineer I will contribute to the successful design and deployment of advanced manufacturing equipment through programming, technical documentation, troubleshooting, and system validation activities.

responsibilities

represent the primary duties of this role and are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Qualifications

✓Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
✓0-2 years of experience in controls programming, automation, equipment design, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
✓Foundational understanding of:
✓PLC Programming
✓Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
✓Electrical Schematics
✓Instrumentation
✓Industrial Controls
✓Industrial Automation Systems
✓Basic understanding of industrial communication protocols and networking concepts.
✓Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and technical documentation.
✓Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
✓Excellent communication, organizational, and technical documentation abilities.
✓Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary engineering teams.

& Experience

✓Familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming.
✓Familiarity with Ignition HMI/SCADA platforms.
✓Exposure to Allen Bradley Studio 5000 programming environments.
✓Familiarity with Python programming and scripting.
✓Experience with database connectivity and industrial data systems.
✓Understanding of motion control systems including VFDs, motors, and actuators.
✓Experience supporting automated manufacturing or semiconductor processing equipment.
✓Knowledge of machine safety concepts and industrial automation standards.

Work Environment

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments. Employees may be exposed to industrial automation systems, electrical equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing processes. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) may include safety glasses, protective gloves, steel-toe footwear, lab coat, and hard hat depending on the work area. Strict adherence to company policies, operating procedures, environmental health and safety requirements, and applicable safety protocols is

Show full description ↓

Controls Programming & Software Development

•Support development and debugging of PLC logic using IEC 61131-3 approved languages.
•Assist with Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming and software implementation.
•Support software development activities for automation and control systems.
•Participate in software design reviews and execute assigned programming tasks under the guidance of senior engineers.
•Assist with implementation of machine safety functions and interlock logic.
•Support software verification and validation activities for automated manufacturing equipment.

HMI Development & Documentation

•Assist with GUI and HMI modifications, updates, and operator interface improvements.
•Develop and maintain control narratives, alarm descriptions, and software documentation.
•Contribute technical writing for software user manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
•Support creation and revision of software specifications and functional documentation.
•Maintain accurate software change records and engineering documentation.
•Ensure documentation aligns with established engineering standards.

Controls Hardware & System Integration

•Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols and networked control systems.
•Support integration and troubleshooting of instrumentation, sensors, and process controls.
•Assist with installation, startup, and commissioning of automation hardware and control systems.
•Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, field devices, motors, actuators, and related controls hardware.
•Support integration of electrical and mechanical systems into automated equipment.
•Assist with controls checkout and validation activities during equipment startup.

Commissioning, Testing & Technical Support

•Support commissioning, startup, and software testing activities for automated systems.
•Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and qualification activities.
•Assist with troubleshooting and root cause analysis for controls-related issues.
•Support remote diagnostics and customer technical support activities.
•Assist with tuning and optimization of controls to improve process and equipment performance.
•Document testing results and support implementation of corrective actions when required.

Motion Control & Process Optimization

•Support implementation and tuning of motion control systems including VFDs, motors, and actuators.
•Assist in optimizing control strategies for new processes and equipment modules.
•Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment performance and reliability.
•Analyze operational data and assist with process optimization efforts.
•Collaborate with engineering teams to implement automation enhancements and system improvements.

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