Industrial Maintenance Electrical Engineer
Summary
The Electrical and Controls Engineer for the Ozinga East Chicago Grinding Mill is responsible for the maintenance and continuous improvement of electrical and control systems that support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This role partners closely with operations, maintenance, and leadership teams to optimize equipment performance, minimize downtime, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The Electrical and Controls Engineer will lead troubleshooting efforts, support capital projects, and drive process improvements that enhance production capability and long-term asset reliability while upholding Ozinga's commitment to safety, service, and operational excellence.
Principal Duties And Responsibilities
- Support safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all plant electrical and control systems, ensuring compliance with company safety standards and applicable electrical codes
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and automation issues involving power distribution systems, MCCs, VFDs, large motors, and field instrumentation
- Troubleshoot Siemens PLC systems using TIA Portal and related platforms to support process stability and production targets
- Maintain and troubleshoot Siemens motor management systems, including SIMOCODE, to enhance motor protection, diagnostics, and reliability
- Partner with maintenance and operations teams to perform root cause analysis on equipment failures and implement corrective and preventive solutions
- Assist with calibration, setup, and commissioning of instrumentation including pressure, temperature, flow, and level devices
- Maintain and update electrical drawings, control schematics, and documentation to ensure accuracy and long term asset integrity
- Identify opportunities for process optimization and continuous improvement through data analysis, automation enhancements, and reliability initiatives
- Provide technical guidance and develop work procedures to plant personnel and support training efforts related to control systems and electrical best practices
- Support occasional off hour troubleshooting and plant outages as required to maintain operational continuity
- Coordinate work with contractors and plant personnel as required
- Develop and implement electrical maintenance and outage plans
- Attend and seek out electrical continuous learning opportunities
- Regular attendance and physical presence at work are essential functions of this position. This job may require additional duties not listed above and the employee may be asked to perform those duties to meet business needs
Qualifications
Education/Specialized Knowledge/Professional Certifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related experience
- Valid driver's license required
- Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in an industrial environment
- Knowledge of cement and concrete products preferred
- Valid OSHA 10 Certification preferred
Experience:
- 3 – 5 years of experience required; 5+ years preferred
- Previous internship or hands-on plant experience strongly preferred
- Experience or coursework involving industrial power distribution, motor controls, and MCCs
- Familiarity with VFDs, soft starters, and large motor applications
- Working knowledge of Siemens motor control platforms, including SIMOCODE
- Understanding of single-line diagrams, control schematics, and panel layouts
- Basic knowledge of arc flash, NFPA 70E, and electrical safety principles
- Industrial work environment experience preferred
- Strong technical aptitude and understanding of cement production processes, equipment, and machinery
Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively motivate and manage a diverse team
- Solid problem-solving abilities, with a proactive and hands-on approach to addressing operational challenges
- Proficient computer skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely
- Ability to learn applicable product quality and safety standards
- Knowledge of environmental, health, and safety regulations in industrial setting
Working Conditions
- Operation within a fast-paced environment
- High heat environment, confined space entry, possible gas exposure, heavy industrial environment
- Exposure to plant environment with dust, noise, and varying temperatures
- Noise level is usually moderate, but can be high and requires hearing protection
- Personal protective equipment (hearing protection, hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, fall protection, powered air purifying respirators, etc.) required
- Working at heights with exposure to elements
- Commitment to safety protocols and OSHA standards in industrial settings
Physical Requirements
- Regularly required to talk or hear; frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms
- Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
- Walking, climbing and standing on uneven, muddy or frozen job sites in both daylight and after dark
- Frequent use of stairs, use of fall protection, operation of equipment (AEWP, manlift, company truck), connecting hoses, sampling trucks
- Must be able to frequently bend
- Ability to perform maintenance duties in tight spaces
- Must be able to operate buttons, levers, and other controls located on various equipment
- Must be able to sit and drive for extended periods of time
- Must be able to work long and flexible hours as necessary
- Must be able to maneuver in and around our plants, yards, and jobsites as necessary
- Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds several times a day
- Lifting and carrying tools and/or products
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Retirement Plan Options
- Voluntary Benefits
- Work-Life Balance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program