Job DescriptionJob Summary:The Controls Engineer is primarily responsible for the support, troubleshooting, and integration of automated manufacturing process control systems at the facility, providing engineering expertise to help plant-level Maintenance, Production/Operations, EH&S, and management personnel identify and resolve technical process issues. This role also supports the design, commissioning, and startup of small- to large-scale capital expenditure projects in conjunction with Central Engineering. This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities and involves an average of one week of travel per quarter, with more required on occasion. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (40 hours/week), with additional hours, alternate shifts, or occasional weekend work required to support equipment breakdowns, troubleshooting, and commissioning/startup activities.
Duties and Responsibilities:- Troubleshoots and resolves issues with existing process equipment and control systems.
- Provides training and technical assistance to plant-level Maintenance, Production/Operations, EH&S, and management personnel.
- Manages projects, including scope development, funding requests, and execution.
- Designs machine control systems using the latest hardware and software components to maximize equipment productivity, ensuring all code requirements and safety standards are strictly met.
- Assists the plant with developing goals, objectives, and schedules for potential projects and upgrades.
- Coordinates day-to-day activities of contractors and plant maintenance personnel during project execution.
- Other duties as assigned
QualificationsRequired Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:- Knowledge:
- Proficient in Siemens hardware, Rockwell Automation software, and Allen-Bradley hardware.
- Proficient in general industrial controls and manufacturing processes.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
- Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
- Industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, Profinet).
- Basic understanding of open/closed control loops (PIDs).
- Understanding of electrical wiring principles based on the National Electric Code (NEC).
- Data Historian development.
- Basic understanding of low-voltage power distribution.
- Software/data communication protocols (OPC-UA/OPC-DA).
- Basic understanding of AutoCAD.
- Ability to stay abreast of new developments in controls/technology.
- Skills:
- Programming of basic control system logic (ladder logic, structured text, function block).
- Configuration and tuning of variable frequency drives (VFDs).
- Interpretation of electrical/controls drawings.
- Interpretation of mechanical design drawings for electrical requirements.
- Understanding and evaluation of component, equipment, or installation proposals.
- Utilization and interpretation of technical data sheets and manuals.
- Basic project management skills.
- Basic problem-solving skills.
- Basic analytical comparison and value judgment skills.
Working Conditions:- Primarily within a manufacturing facility; relatively fast-paced and occasionally stressful, with multiple projects worked on at the same time.
- Approximately 80% factory (process equipment support, troubleshooting, programming/testing) and 20% office (project development, monthly reports, project updates, team meetings/calls).
- On-call for process upsets not resolvable by maintenance.
- Average of one week of travel per quarter, with more travel required on occasion.
- This position typically operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (40 hours/week). Additional hours, alternate shifts, or occasional weekend work may be required to support equipment breakdowns, process troubleshooting, or equipment commissioning/startups. The employee is expected to comply with all company policies, including those related to safety, data security, and confidentiality.
- This is a fully onsite position based primarily within the manufacturing facility. The employee is expected to be physically present at the designated work location during scheduled hours, with approximately 80% of time spent in the factory and 20% in the office. In-person attendance is essential for equipment troubleshooting, project execution, and collaboration with plant personnel; employees must comply with all site-specific safety, security, and conduct policies.
