Controls Engineer

Marlen, headquartered in Riverside, MO is recognized as a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered and innovative food processing equipment and systems. Our premium products have long set the standard for quality and performance in vacuum stuffing and pumping, portioning, size reduction, thermal processing, and food handling.

Marlen has been trusted by the world’s leading food brands for 70 years. Our world-class Solution Centers strategically located across the globe allow processors to lean on our highly experienced food processing technologists to develop and test unique solutions for your products. Marlen is a Duravant Company, headquartered in Downers Grove, IL. Duravant is a global engineered equipment company with manufacturing, sales and service facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

This position description identifies the major responsibilities of this job. It does not include all aspects of the position such as the potential additional duties assigned by supervisors and the requirement for flexibility in helping others for the company's overall benefit.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, programming, testing, troubleshooting, and implementation of control systems for Marlen food processing equipment and integrated systems. This position works with PLCs, HMIs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, burner controls, industrial networks, and electrical control systems.

The Controls Engineer supports projects throughout the equipment lifecycle, from initial design and programming through machine testing, commissioning, installation, and customer support. The role works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, and other cross-functional teams to deliver reliable equipment that meets customer requirements, project specifications, and delivery commitments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, develop, program, test, and troubleshoot industrial control systems for new and existing equipment.

Develop and maintain PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, and related control programs.

Support electrical and controls design, including high-voltage power distribution and low-voltage control systems.

Perform machine debugging, testing, and start-up activities, including troubleshooting electrical circuits, control logic, communications, and system performance.

Diagnose equipment and controls issues and develop effective solutions that meet customer and application requirements.

Support equipment commissioning, installation, and field start-up activities as required.

Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, and other cross-functional teams throughout project execution.

Develop and apply engineering standards and best practices for PLC programming, HMI design, controls architecture, and documentation.

Identify technical and project risks and proactively resolve issues that could impact equipment performance, quality, or delivery.

Perform root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions for controls-related issues.

Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting established project schedules and customer commitments.

Provide technical support and guidance to internal teams and customers as needed.

Other assigned duties QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant work experience.
5+ years of controls engineering, controls design, automation, or industrial programming experience, including PLC programming.

Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLCs,…