Controls Engineer

About the role

This role offers an opportunity for a dedicated Controls Engineer to drive continuous improvement across multiple control systems and automation centers. You will identify opportunities to innovate existing automation solutions, enhance current control systems, and help standardize best practices across locations.

Responsibilities

• Work independently with internal and external engineering teams to deliver high-quality, cross-functional projects.
• Partner with project managers and external vendors to set project priorities, establish milestones, and meet deadlines.
• Influence and review technical documentation, including system layouts and proposed solutions, to ensure alignment with requirements and standards.
• Represent system and equipment designs to customers and internal teams, clearly explaining technical concepts and design decisions.
• Communicate project status, address questions, and provide concise summaries and updates for leadership and stakeholders.
• Develop strong working relationships with vendors, engineers, operations teams, managers, and peers to support successful project delivery.
• Participate in design reviews and support execution efforts, with a strong emphasis on electrical and controls layout.
• Develop quality and performance test plans with internal teams to ensure vendor systems meet performance, safety, and reliability expectations.
• Identify and lead process improvement initiatives for operations teams, focusing on enhancing automation performance and control system reliability.
• Review PLC code and control system configurations, recommending improvements or modifications to support process optimization and standardization.
• Analyze data from multiple locations to identify standardization opportunities and root causes for rework, contributing to the development of control system templates.
• Collaborate with material handling sites to explore and implement innovative automation and controls solutions.
• Manage outside vendors by reviewing their controls designs and deliverables against specifications and ensuring they meet project requirements.
• Support the design and implementation of electrical and controls components for integrated automation solutions, including material handling systems, high-speed packaging lines, and manufacturing lines.
• Ensure that all control systems and related documentation comply with applicable electrical codes, electrical standards, and organizational guidelines.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in PLC programming, including the ability to program PLCs from scratch.
• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLC systems.
• Experience improving and modifying control systems to achieve process improvements and increased reliability.
• Able to manage outside vendors and review their control systems against technical specifications and project requirements.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, electrical codes, electrical standards, and material handling systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• 4+ years of experience in controls engineering, electrical engineering, process engineering, project management, or a closely related occupation.
• Experience managing material handling or automation projects from design through implementation.
• Design and implementation experience in the electrical and controls areas of integrated automation solutions, such as material handling systems, high-speed packaging lines, or manufacturing lines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Project, and Outlook.
• Able to work independently on complex technical projects and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication skills to explain technical concepts, present designs, and provide clear updates to leadership and stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with SCADA and HMI development and implementation.
• Experience with HMI programming and integration with PLC-based systems.
• Experience in automation projects involving material handling, packaging, or manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute quality and performance test plans for vendor systems.
• Experience analyzing operational data to identify standardization opportunities and root causes of rework.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with leadership, operations teams, and business stakeholders.
• Comfort working in a growing team environment with evolving processes and opportunities for future work.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to travel approximately 25%, typically 2–3 days of travel per week when required.