Controls Engineer

About This Role

As a Controls Engineer, you will drive manufacturing excellence by developing and implementing enhanced methods that improve quality, reduce costs, enhance safety, and decrease lead times through lean concepts and tools. You'll provide crucial manufacturing and process engineering support, serving as a technical cornerstone for our operations in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions

• Champion safety and food-safety by adhering to all company OSHA protocols, government regulations, and procedures including Lock-out/Tag-out, Arc Flash electrical safety, NFPA standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and personal safety measures
• Foster a positive workplace culture built on mutual respect, teamwork, and professionalism, actively supporting company values and policies
• Provide direction and execute programming for installation and technical troubleshooting of PLC ladder-logic based hardware and software applications throughout the plant
• Apply expertise with Allen Bradley Controls hardware, AutoCAD and Ethernet devices to solve complex manufacturing challenges
• Troubleshoot, repair and install electrical and electronic equipment and instrumentation to maintain optimal production efficiency
• Restore and modify Allen Bradley (Control Logix, Compact Logix, PLC-5) PLC programs and verify correct software revisions/edits
• Read, interpret, and update Allen Bradley PLC ladder programs (DH485, DH+, Ethernet, RS-485, RS-232, etc.)
• Interpret and update electrical blueprints, schematics, and flow diagrams with precision and accuracy
• Provide responsive controls and systems engineering support for emergencies and unscheduled repairs during both peak and off-peak production times
• Analyze equipment manuals, schematics, and machinery assembly drawings to create component hardware BOMs
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering (or equivalent professional experience)
• 3+ years of electrical experience
• 3+ years of controls experience with PLC, HMI, VFD, servo and programming knowledge

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in food manufacturing environment
• Lean manufacturing & continuous improvement expertise (Kaizen, 5S, VSM)
• Process engineering & optimization capabilities
• Quality improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, SPC, root cause analysis)

Key Skills & Competencies

• Cost reduction and waste elimination strategies
• Manufacturing safety standards & risk mitigation knowledge
• Project management & cross-functional collaboration abilities
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving aptitude
• Technical documentation & standard work development proficiency
• Proficiency with Allen Bradley Control Logix, Compact Logix, and PLC-5 systems
• AutoCAD and Ethernet device expertise

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to work effectively in a food manufacturing environment. You will be exposed to:

• Allergens, varying temperatures (hot/cold), humidity levels, and noise
• Physical demands including kneeling, bending, lifting, working at heights, and wearing required PPE
• Confined spaces (following all required safety protocols, training, and permits)
• Lifting and moving equipment or materials weighing up to 50 pounds as needed
• Navigating unforgiving surfaces and accessing all areas of operations throughout the facility

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're a skilled Controls Engineer looking to advance your career with a company that values safety, innovation, and continuous improvement, we want to hear from you. Apply today to join our team in Plymouth, Michigan.