Axinova Inc. – Caldwell, ID
$65,000–$85,000/year | Full-time | In-person
Compensation and title based on experience, education, and technical competencies.
Build Custom Automation Systems
Axinova is a robotic systems integrator specializing in custom automation solutions for the food and beverage industry. We design, build, program, and commission advanced secondary packaging systems including robotic case packing, palletizing, material handling, conveying, and other custom automation solutions for industrial customers across the United States.
We are looking for a Junior Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer who is interested in industrial automation, robotics, and machine controls and wants to build a career working on real-world automation systems.
This is a hands-on engineering position where you will work alongside experienced controls, robotics, electrical, and mechanical engineers to develop, test, troubleshoot, and commission custom automation equipment.
Our systems primarily use Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLC and HMI platforms and commonly integrate KUKA and ABB industrial robots, servo systems, VFDs, safety devices, vision systems, and other industrial automation equipment.
Previous industrial automation experience is helpful, but we are also interested in recent engineering graduates or candidates with a strong technical foundation who are motivated to learn.
Responsibilities
Develop and modify Allen-Bradley PLC programs using Studio 5000
Assist with programming ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC systems
Develop and modify HMI applications using Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms
Assist with machine sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and fault handling
Learn and work within Axinova's standardized PLC and HMI programming practices
Assist with integration of KUKA, ABB, and other industrial robotic systems
Configure and troubleshoot industrial devices connected through EtherNet/IP
Work with VFDs, servo drives, remote I/O, sensors, safety devices, barcode systems, vision systems, and other automation equipment
Assist with machine safety systems and safety PLC applications
Support robotic case packing, palletizing, conveying, material handling, and secondary packaging systems
Perform controls checkout, I/O testing, machine startup, and troubleshooting
Assist with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), installation, and commissioning
Troubleshoot electrical, controls, networking, and equipment integration issues
Work closely with mechanical, electrical, robotics, fabrication, and field service teams
Assist with customer startups and commissioning projects
Create and maintain PLC/HMI backups, documentation, and troubleshooting information
Learn Axinova's PackML-based machine architecture, reusable programming structures, naming conventions, and HMI standards
Required Qualifications
Degree, technical training, or equivalent experience in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, mechatronics, automation, robotics, computer engineering, or a related technical field
Basic understanding of PLC programming and industrial automation
Familiarity with ladder logic and PLC programming concepts
Basic understanding of electrical controls, sensors, motors, and industrial equipment
Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and technical documentation
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Comfortable working with computers, networking, and industrial software
Willingness to learn new automation technologies and programming standards
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team
Strong communication and organizational skills
Willingness to travel for installation, startup, and commissioning projects
Preferred Qualifications
These qualifications are helpful but not required:
Internship, co-op, school, or work experience involving PLC programming or industrial automation
Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs or Studio 5000
Familiarity with ControlLogix or CompactLogix platforms
Experience with Rockwell FactoryTalk View
Familiarity with industrial robots such as KUKA or ABB
Experience with VFDs, servo motors, sensors, or industrial control systems
Familiarity with EtherNet/IP or other industrial communication networks
Experience building, wiring, programming, or troubleshooting automated equipment
Exposure to machine safety systems or safety PLCs
Experience with robotics, mechatronics, manufacturing, or automated machinery
Familiarity with structured PLC programming, AOIs, UDTs, or state-machine concepts
Previous experience in food, beverage, packaging, manufacturing, or material handling environments
Travel Expectations
This position includes travel for system installation, startup, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
Typical travel ranges from approximately 20–40% depending on project phase. Some periods may require increased travel during active customer deployments.
Axinova currently offers:
Travel pay
Per diem pay
Company-covered travel expenses
We work to provide advance scheduling and maintain work-life balance whenever possible.
Compensation
$65,000–$85,000 annually, based on education, experience, and technical competency
Overtime opportunities during commissioning and field startup
Opportunities for increased responsibility and compensation as technical skills develop
Career growth within a rapidly growing automation company
Benefits
Medical insurance fully covered for employees and spouses
Dental & vision insurance fully covered for employees and spouses
Flexible PTO policy and paid holidays
401(k) with 4% company match (fully vested)
Employer-paid life & AD&D insurance
Optional supplemental insurance plans available
Parental leave
Health savings account
Why Join Axinova?
Build real industrial automation systems rather than working only in simulation or theory
Gain hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, industrial robots, servo systems, VFDs, and machine controls
Work on projects from initial assembly and programming through final customer commissioning
Learn from experienced controls, robotics, electrical, and mechanical engineers
Work with KUKA and ABB industrial robotic systems
Develop PLC, HMI, troubleshooting, and system integration skills
Gain field experience installing and commissioning automated equipment
Work on a wide variety of custom automation projects
Opportunity to quickly take on additional responsibility as your technical skills develop
Grow your career with an expanding automation integrator
Learn more about Axinova and Velec Group:
www.axinova.us
www.velecgroup.com/en/
Work Location: In person – Caldwell, Idaho
Contact Person: Chris Annin Phone: 2082978260 Email:chris.annin@axinova.us Location:4120 Challenger Way • Caldwell, ID Application Method: Email Base Pay:$65,000–$85,000 annually, based on education, experience, and technical competency
