Project Engineer - Controls & Electrical

Americhem

Grand Rapids, MI

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Allen-Bradley, Analysis Skills, Automation, Automation Engineering, Automation Systems, Budget Management, Budgeting, Capital Project, Commissioning, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Control Systems, Cross-Functional, Electrical Design, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Engineering, Ethernet, Human Machine Interface (HMI), IP (Internet Protocol), Identify Issues, Leadership, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Equipment, Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing Systems, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Multitasking, Network Protocols, Operational Support, Polymers, Problem Solving Skills, Process Analysis, Process Improvement, Program Control, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Project Engineering, Project Execution, Project Schedule, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Reliability Engineering, Root Cause Analysis, Schematics, Startup, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Team Player, Technical Support, Technical Writing, Time Management, Willing to Travel

LOCATION

Grand Rapids, MI

POSTED

1 day ago

About Americhem

Americhem is a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds, and performance technologies. Our business is built around delivering Performance, Solutions, and Trust through close collaboration with customers seeking to optimize their polymer products. All of our products are backed by complete technical support that ensures quality, reliability, and value.

Position Summary

Americhem is seeking a hands-on and technically strong Project Engineer - Controls & Electrical to support the design, implementation, and commissioning of industrial automation and electrical systems across our manufacturing facilities. This role will focus heavily on PLC programming, electrical controls design, automation integration, and plant process improvements.

The Project Engineer will partner closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and external vendors to execute capital projects, troubleshoot manufacturing systems, improve equipment reliability, and support continuous improvement initiatives. This position plays a key role in supporting operational efficiency, equipment performance, and automation standardization across the organization. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, working directly in manufacturing environments, and leading projects from concept through startup.

Key Responsibilities

Controls & Automation Engineering

Design, program, and implement industrial control systems for manufacturing equipment and processes
Develop and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA programs utilizing platforms such as Allen Bradley, Siemens, or similar systems
Troubleshoot and resolve controls-related issues impacting plant operations and equipment performance
Lead automation improvement initiatives focused on increasing reliability, reducing downtime, and improving production efficiency
Support integration of new equipment into existing plant control systems
Develop electrical schematics, control narratives, and technical system documentation
Support standardization of controls architecture and automation systems across manufacturing facilities

Project Engineering & Execution

Lead engineering projects from concept through commissioning and startup
Define project scope, technical requirements, budgets, and project schedules
Coordinate activities with vendors, contractors, operations teams, and maintenance personnel
Manage installation, startup, and validation activities for new equipment and automation systems
Track project progress and communicate updates to engineering and plant leadership
Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget

Manufacturing & Process Support

Support plant operations with troubleshooting of manufacturing process and equipment issues
Analyze equipment and process performance to identify opportunities for improvement
Assist with implementation of process optimization initiatives and new technologies
Collaborate with plant leadership on operational initiatives and continuous improvement activities

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Chemical, Mechanical, or related field) or equivalent experience
3-8 years of engineering experience within manufacturing environments
Experience with PLC programming and industrial control systems
Experience supporting plant operations, manufacturing systems, or process automation
Prior project engineering or project leadership experience preferred
Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, and electrical controls design strongly preferred

Technical Skills

PLC programming experience utilizing Rockwell Software applications including:
- RS Logix 500
- RS Logix 5000
- Studio 5000
- RSView32
- FactoryTalk View
- RSNetworx
HMI/SCADA systems
Industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.)
Electrical controls design and troubleshooting
Process analysis and continuous improvement
Root cause analysis and problem solving
Project management and vendor coordination

Desired Attributes

Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
Hands-on engineering mindset with the ability to work effectively in plant environments
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Self-driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational excellence

Additional Information

Travel required to support domestic and international manufacturing facilities as needed (estimated 40-60%)

About the Company

Americhem

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