Job Type
Full-time
Description
Position SummaryAs a Controls Engineer at Alkar, you'll design the latest automation control systems while collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service. We're looking for someone who has a strong technical background and versatility who can shift gears when priorities change, help others, and grow alongside a company that's still innovating after 100+ years.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the controls scope for complex equipment projects from initial requirements and system architecture through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
- Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
- Develop clear, maintainable control strategies for process systems, sequencing, PID loops, drives, motion, instrumentation, machine safety, and equipment integration.
- Translate customer specifications and internal requirements into defined controls deliverables, functional descriptions, I/O requirements, and test plans.
- Serve as a senior technical resource for difficult troubleshooting, root-cause investigation, and resolution of controls issues in the factory, remotely, and at customer sites.
- Review electrical schematics, panel designs, controls documentation, and code for safety, accuracy, maintainability, and compliance with project requirements.
- Improve programming standards, reusable code, system architecture, version control, documentation, and commissioning practices across the Controls team.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to controls engineers, electrical designers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and field-service personnel.
- Work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Project Management, and Field Service to identify risks early and deliver complete, reliable systems.
- Support customer startups and commissioning, with travel generally limited to up to 10%.
What Makes You a Great Fit- You enjoy solving problems and hands-on troubleshooting.
- Adaptable and dependable; you adjust to a dynamic environment without losing focus or quality.]
- Collaborative by nature-able to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams, willing to support colleagues when needed.
- Highly organized with attention to detail
- Effective communicator-clear and professional verbal and written skills.
- Aligned with a culture built on trust, longevity, and doing things the right way-not just the fast way.
- Familiarity with servo motion control, multi-system integration, and OT networking is a plus.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements- Primarily office-based, with occasional work on the shop floor or at customer sites.
- Environments may include temperature-controlled areas (heated or refrigerated).
- Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs may be required.
Requirements
- Typically 7+ years of experience designing and programming industrial control systems for automated machinery, OEM equipment, or systems-integration projects. Exceptional demonstrated capability may substitute for years of experience.
- Strong proficiency with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens experience is beneficial but not required.
- Demonstrated ability to independently develop, debug, and commission complete control systems-not only modify existing programs.
- Strong understanding of industrial networks and communication protocols, particularly EtherNet/IP.
- Experience with process control, VFDs, servo motion, safety PLCs, instrumentation, and multi-system integration.
- Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and technical controls documentation.
- Ability to manage several active projects while communicating priorities, risks, and technical decisions clearly.
- Bachelor's or Associate's degree in an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent technical training and experience.
- Commitment to safe design, reliable execution, quality, and doing the work correctly-not simply getting it done quickly.
Salary Description
$125,000 - $140,000
