Controls Engineer

About the role

The Controls Engineer's success directly impacts the advancement of technology and innovation within Hapco. This individual will uphold the standards and expectations set forth by the Company and is responsible for contributing to the overall success of the manufacturing functions. The Controls Engineer will maintain and support the Company’s industry-leading products. The individual could work across a variety of functional groups that are directly involved in engineering, product development, and implementation and with international contract manufacturing partners. Will be an inventive problem solver who can work through technical challenges and employ realistic solutions. The Controls Engineer reports directly to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager.

Responsibilities

• Controls & Automation Program: troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-controlled systems; diagnose and repair electrical control systems and automation equipment; develop, modify, and interpret electrical control schematics; support industrial automation projects and equipment upgrades; assist with CNC equipment operation and G-Code/M-Code programming.
• Equipment Reliability & Maintenance: maintain, repair, and improve manufacturing machinery and production equipment; perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for equipment failures; support preventative and predictive maintenance programs; conduct machinery renovations and modernization projects; troubleshoot both electrical and mechanical systems to minimize downtime.
• Process Improvement & Engineering Support: identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, reliability, and productivity; recommend equipment modifications, repairs, or replacements based on performance analysis; support new product introductions and manufacturing implementations; evaluate equipment and products for potential failure risks and recommend solutions; participate in continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Technical Support & Collaboration: interpret electrical blueprints, mechanical drawings, schematics, and engineering documentation; work closely with cross-functional teams to solve technical challenges and improve processes; collaborate with vendors, contractors, and manufacturing partners as needed; maintain effective working relationships with union personnel and internal departments; provide technical guidance and support to manufacturing and maintenance teams.
• Safety & Compliance: maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment; ensure compliance with all company policies, safety standards, and GMP requirements; support departmental goals aligned with organizational objectives; follow all applicable procedures, regulations, and best practices.

Requirements

Travel is required up to 25% and may include visits to other company facilities, suppliers, customers, or training events as business needs require.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical degree (2-4 years) in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Automation, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related experience.
• Experience with PLC programming, troubleshooting, and industrial control systems.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Skills

• Ability to apply common sense understanding when carrying out instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to create, read, and accurately interpret documents.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, including the ability to manage situations involving multiple variables in various contexts.
• Physical demands: perform movements such as climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; lift and/or move up to 20 pounds; close and peripheral vision with focus adjustment; ability to stand for entire shift; frequent use of hands to finger, handle, and feel.