Controls​/Manufacturing Engineer

Alpine, an ITW company, currently has an opening for a Manufacturing Engineer in its Litchfield, IL (greater St. Louis) facility. The Manufacturing Engineer will provide technical leadership, direction and engineering support for the safe manufacturing of products which meet or exceed quality requirements and business goals and objectives. This role will identify opportunities and initiate actions to improve processes and production methods that safely improve our manufacturing cost, quality, productivity, product performance, and delivery to best meet customer needs.

• Design, develop, and improve automated control systems including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, AMRs, smart sensors, and drive systems
• Develop new PLC and robotic programs and continuously improve existing systems using company standards
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize robotic systems (Fanuc preferred) and related automation platforms
• Support integration of automation systems including PLCs, robotics, HMI, and data collection systems
• Configure and maintain AC drive systems including such as Allen Bradley Power Flex (400, 750, 755)
• Work with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Remote I/O, and Modbus TCP/IP
• Design and modify electrical circuits, control panels, and system architectures

• Provide electrical and mechanical troubleshooting support for production equipment and automated systems
• Lead root cause analysis efforts and implement corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and uptime
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles
• Support and lead capital projects related to automation, controls upgrades, and equipment modernization
• Ensure maximum reliability and performance of manufacturing equipment
• Support equipment rebuilds, repairs, and system upgrades
• Create and maintain documentation including electrical schematics, programs, and operating procedures

• Collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and IT teams to resolve issues and improve system performance
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and production personnel
• Partner with Engineering/Maintenance on machine design improvements and new equipment implementation
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and company standards in all activities

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related technical field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 2-5+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering within a manufacturing environment
• Strong experience with Allen Bradley PLC platforms (SLC 5/05, Control Logix, Compact Logix, Micro Logix)
• Experience with robotic programming and automation systems (Fanuc preferred)
• Experience with AC drives, motor control systems, and industrial automation hardware
• Proficiency in HMI development (Panel View, Ignition or similar)
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Ether Net/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Remote I/O)
• Experience with Microsoft Office and computer-aided design software (AutoCAD or similar a plus)
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel 15-20%
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed to support operations

• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and robotic programming in a high-speed manufacturing environment
• Experience with robotics, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), and smart sensor technologies
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude with a proactive, problem-solving mindset
• Demonstrated ability to lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives
• Effective communicator who can work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams
• Ability to balance floor support with project-based engineering work

ITW…