Project Engineer; Controls & Automation; 1st Shift

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Project Engineer - Controls & Automation to support the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing equipment and automation systems. This role will provide technical solutions for both new and existing production applications while helping expand the organization’s capabilities in controls, automation, and system integration.

The Project Engineer will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, vendors, and leadership to execute capital projects, improve equipment reliability and performance, and provide technical support to manufacturing operations.

This is a highly hands-on, onsite engineering position
, with the majority of time spent on the manufacturing floor troubleshooting equipment, supporting production, implementing improvements, and collaborating directly with operations and maintenance teams.

• Develop, implement, and support automation and controls solutions for manufacturing equipment and production processes.
• Program, troubleshoot, and modify PLC-based control systems.
• Support the configuration, troubleshooting, and optimization of HMIs and machine control systems.
• Integrate automation systems, sensors, drives, and other industrial control components.
• Provide hands-on technical support for automated production equipment.
• Diagnose equipment issues and perform root cause analysis to identify and implement effective corrective actions.
• Lead or support equipment installations, startups, commissioning, and system upgrades.
• Partner with Operations and Maintenance to improve equipment reliability, uptime, and overall production performance.
• Participate in capital projects from initial planning and design through implementation and startup.
• Identify opportunities for automation, process improvement, and increased manufacturing efficiency.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to develop and implement technical solutions.
• Provide engineering support for existing production equipment and assist with continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain appropriate documentation related to controls, equipment modifications, and engineering projects.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure engineering solutions align with applicable safety and manufacturing standards.

Successful candidates will bring experience in several of the following areas:

• PLC programming and troubleshooting
• HMI development and troubleshooting
• Machine controls and automation
• Industrial sensors, drives, and control components
• Automation system integration
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Equipment commissioning and startup
• Root cause analysis and corrective action
• Equipment reliability and performance improvement
• Manufacturing process optimization
• Production floor technical support

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on electrical engineering experience within a manufacturing, industrial, or similar environment.
• Demonstrated experience with PLCs, HMIs, machine controls, and industrial automation systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities related to automated production equipment.
• Understanding of how electrical, mechanical, and automated systems interact within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, vendors, and other cross-functional teams.
• Willingness and ability to spend the majority of the workday on the manufacturing floor providing hands-on technical support.

• Experience leading equipment installations, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Experience with capital equipment and manufacturing automation projects.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies and reliability initiatives.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Experience working in a high-volume or highly automated production environment.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on controls and automation engineer who…