JobsGenerac

Controls Engineer

Generac · Beaver Dam, WI

Posted May 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Walk me through a time you troubleshot a PLC or HMI issue on a production line that was down. What was your process for finding the root cause?

Whether they have a structured troubleshooting approach versus guessing under pressure

Describe a time you had to explain a technical control system issue to someone without an engineering background.

Ability to translate technical detail for non-technical internal customers, a named job duty

Tell me about a capital project where you had to guide an outside equipment supplier or installation contractor on control system requirements.

Experience directing vendors rather than just executing internal tasks

Describe a situation where you mentored a less experienced engineer or technician through a control system problem.

Fit for the mentoring and SME responsibilities called out explicitly in the role

Tell me about a project you managed from initial scope through commissioning and customer acceptance. What went wrong and how did you handle it?

Real project management experience across the full lifecycle, not just the technical build

Technical

Tell me about your hands-on experience with RSLogix or Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk View. What kind of programs have you built or modified?

Depth of real experience with the exact tools the job requires versus surface familiarity

Have you worked with Fanuc robots or GE Proficy Machine Edition and Historian? Tell me about a specific project where you used them.

Whether preferred qualifications are genuine experience or just resume keywords

What's your experience with Ethernet/IP communication setups, and can you describe a time you diagnosed a communication fault between devices on the network?

Practical depth in industrial networking troubleshooting beyond textbook knowledge

What safety practices do you follow when working inside energized electrical cabinets?

Basic safety competence and whether they take electrical hazard work seriously

Situational

Say a machine goes down on second shift and you're the only controls resource available. How do you decide what to check first, and when do you escalate?

Judgment under time pressure and awareness of when to bring in others in a high-uptime environment

How would you go about turning a vague request from a plant operations team into a functional specification and then a system design spec?

Whether they understand the requirements-to-design workflow described in the posting, not just coding

How do you approach documentation and adherence to company standards when you're under pressure to get a line running again quickly?

Whether corners get cut on process discipline when speed and correctness compete

If two production lines both had control issues at the same time and you had limited resources, how would you prioritize?

Ability to multitask and make prioritization calls in a fast-paced plant environment

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? In the role of Controls Engineer located in Beaver Dam, WI you will oversee the development, execution and delivery of new control system projects as well as maintains existing equipment. Responsibilities include automation controls systems design, PLC/HMI programming, troubleshooting and start up commissioning. The Control Engineer also contributes to overall team performance by training/mentoring associates, providing technical assistance, and improving processes and standards. Responsibilities:  • Problem solve equipment controls issues and implement improvements • Provide capital project control system guidance to equipment suppliers and installation contractors • Act as the SME for facility engineering resources on control systems programing • Prepare project deliverables including statements of work, status reports and budgets. • Ensure adherence to Company standards and methodologies • Discuss needs with internal customers in a non-technical language • Analyze customer requests, understand need, and document in Functional Specification • Translate functional requirements into System Design Specifications • Develop programs to comply with system requirements; • Mentor and guide project team members to deliver on the project/program requirements • Ensure customer acceptance by testing validation, and training users in changes to business processes Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering • 3 years of experience with programming Industrial controls, PLC’s, HMI’s, Industrial communication protocols • 3 years of experience with PLC, HMI, Drives programming using Rockwell RSLogix/Studio 5000 and FTV view Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with Fanuc Robot troubleshooting and support • Experience with GE Proficy Suite - Machine Edition and Historian • Experience working with and troubleshooting automation equipment in a high uptime environment • Solid understanding of Ethernet IP communication configurations and troubleshooting • Experience managing technical projects through a project cycle including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, commissioning, and closing phases. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Working knowledge of Industrial Automation, Engineering, Computer Science or MIS • Knowledge of how to implement the automation used in 24x7 shop floor environments • Ability to safely work in electrical cabinets • Ability to establish strong working relationships with both technical and non-technical members of staff; • Ability to be hands on with automation equipment and process troubleshooting; • Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral format, with both vendors and internal customers; • Ability to multi-task in a fast paced, dynamic environment; • Self-motivated and driven to accomplish company goals. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls.  The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.  On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders.  The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job include are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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