Controls Engineer

AJM Packaging Corporation

Southgate, MI

AJM Packaging Corporation, one of America’s leading manufacturers of paper products, including paper plates, cups, bowls and bags, is seeking a Controls Engineer to join our team in Southgate, MI. The controls engineer will support production operations by leading electrical and mechanical equipment improvements, maintaining automated control systems, troubleshooting machinery issues, and driving continuous process and maintenance enhancements.

• Work with process/product engineering and maintenance to make necessary changes to equipment for improvements, system upgrades, preventative procedures, product changes, and new product launches.
• Contribute to cross‑functional project teams supporting activities related to controls issues including, but not limited to, programming PLCs, Human Machine Interface (HMI) robots, welders, and troubleshooting electrical controls.
• Assist with updates, modifications, and continuous improvement of existing controls systems including robotic programs, ladder logic programs, relay logic, electrical distribution, motor controls, operator interface, hydraulics, and pneumatics distribution and control.
• Assist in the planning, scheduling and supervision activities related to the repair, maintenance and/or installation of electrical and mechanical equipment and production machinery.
• Directly participate in mechanical and electrical repairs utilizing a working knowledge of three‑phase electrical, servo‑motors, tool & die repair, pneumatics, hydraulics, machining, welding, etc.
• Act as a technical team lead on all mechanical and electrical projects to ensure that production machinery uptime and production throughput is maximized in quantity and quality.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose and repair production machinery and related equipment.
• Ensure proper controls‑specific documentation delivery from the Original Equipment Manufacturer(s) and maintain documents (e.g., electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic schematics, panel layouts, PLC, operator display, operator interface, robot programs, and machine power distribution) throughout equipment life cycle and document any changes during that time.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology or related field required.
• 5+ years related experience required.
• Experience with Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or other PLC hardware and programming.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and engineering drawings/blueprints/diagrams.

At AJM, our comprehensive “Cafeteria Benefits Plan” and “Flexible Spending Arrangement” (FSA) set us apart from the competition. Under the cafeteria plan you’ll receive a comprehensive package of company‑paid medical, dental, optical, life and disability insurance coverage.

• Medical Insurance (BCBS)
• Dental Insurance
• Optical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Cafeteria Benefits Plan
• Flexible Spending Agreement
• Health Savings Account
• Child & Dependent Care Savings Account
• 401 K Retirement Plan (with Safe Harbor Company Match)
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Assistance/Wellness Program
• Paid Vacations
• Paid Holiday
• Paid Sick & Personal Time
• Professional Development Program (AJM University)

AJM was originally founded as a distributor of commercial paper, plastic and foil packaging products and related cleaning, janitorial and order processing supplies and equipment by three Detroit area brothers operating out of a small warehouse in Detroit’s Eastern Market. In 1957 they built and moved into slightly larger quarters on Detroit’s southwest side, where, for the very first time, they began manufacturing their own products.

Over the ensuing decades, AJM gradually evolved from its broadline distributor beginnings into a major paper products manufacturer, today employing nearly 3,000 people and operating eight manufacturing and five warehouse/distribution facilities strategically located throughout the United States.

Some things have undoubtedly changed since AJM was founded, but the company’s commitment to its customers and employees, alike, has not wavered…