R&D Controls Engineer

Overview

Join to apply for the R&D Controls Engineer role at Kadant South America
. The R&D Controls Engineer will be responsible for developing new products; improving existing product designs; providing technical support for legacy products; maintaining, troubleshooting and upgrading in‑house manufacturing process equipment and machinery. This position is on‑site in Auburn, MA.

• Lead R&D product development projects and production order projects (those having significant control content) from concept development through successful installation at customer sites. Assign project activities and provide guidance to other team members.
• Establish and communicate project cost estimates, time estimates and project milestone dates.
• Design cost‑effective control systems that function well with the mechanical systems and satisfy all product performance objectives.
• Oversee the creation of all necessary P & I, interconnect and control enclosure drawings.
• Develop PLC logic and/or oversee the development of PLC logic by contract control engineers.
• Utilize Solid Works (and other CAD tools) to develop design layouts (3D model) of prototype equipment.
• Schedule and chair design review meetings to discuss and evaluate proposed product designs.
• Order all materials and hardware needed to build prototypes. Follow up with the purchasing department to ensure that purchased items are received when expected.
• Manage the New Product Release process after the development phase is completed.
• Build prototype components and equipment. Utilize outside and in‑house resources as required.
• Test and troubleshoot all controls and mechanical systems prior to shipping.
• Travel to customer and supplier sites as needed to obtain project information and/or install, evaluate, and test prototype equipment and components.
• Work closely with other company departments, international affiliates, customers, and suppliers to ensure that all project objectives are met. Manage all aspects of the specific product development project.
• Provide controls engineering support in maintaining and troubleshooting in‑house manufacturing equipment and machinery.
• Lead and implement in‑house manufacturing process controls upgrade projects.
• Work with a “continuous improvement” mentality. Strive to develop new methods and tools that can help our business become more successful.
• Must have a positive attitude, be adaptable and readily willing to accept, and thrive, in an environment where work activities and priorities can change quickly.
• Assist Sales, Customers, Application Engineers, and others with equipment design and application questions as needed.
• Observe safe practices and company policies.
• Perform other tasks as required.

• B.S. Electrical Engineering or B.S. Mechanical Engineering with controls emphasis.
• Minimum (5) years of experience working with industrial controls.
• Familiarity and experience with IoT and smart connected products are preferred.
• Strong understanding of electrical and pneumatic controls, PLC's, AC/DC and Servo drive systems, panel design and construction, and power distribution.
• Strong understanding of Ethernet and IP networks.
• Must be familiar with the National Electrical Code and able to ensure compliance with other international codes as applicable.
• Strong overall understanding of process machinery, Lockout‑Tagout procedures and safe work practices.
• Proficient in A/B PLC programming, including device communication.
• Proficient with Controls CAD software.
• Must be capable of “hands‑on” troubleshooting of electrical control system.
• Proficient with Solidworks (CAD) software (preferred).
• Good organizational skills.
• Good project management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft applications – Excel and Word.
• Highly motivated, self‑starter, capable of working in both a team environment and on individual assignments effectively.
• Proven problem‑solving skills.
• Up to 30% travel required for installation of prototypes, product testing and training, and technical support of products. Must be capable of working in difficult industrial conditions—heat, dust, noise, etc.…