Controls Engineer

Overview

Partner for Growing Midwest Companies | Executive Search

• New Machinery Development
  • Create new machinery concepts, including automation specifications, configuration options, and cost targets for prototype systems.
  • Estimate time and material requirements for new machinery quotes.
  • Direct concept development using test rigs and components.
  • Present specifications for milestone reviews and maintain updated documentation.
  • Report project deviations, risks, and cost variances to the Electrical Engineering Manager.
• Engineering of New Equipment and Machinery Lines
  • Develop automation platforms, control architectures, electrical assemblies, schematics, and bills of material (BOMs).
  • Design control cabinet layouts, conduit systems, and program HMI, PLC, and robotic control software.
  • Document BOMs and ensure accuracy for product configuration.
  • Manage and record all Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs).
  • Lead technical design reviews to ensure peer review and knowledge sharing.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable safety standards (OSHA, EU Machinery Directive, and local authorities) and integrate safety risk assessments.
  • Provide project management and technical leadership from order entry through field testing.
  • Serve as the technical liaison with customers, sales, and project management, communicating specifications, project plans, and change orders.
  • Direct assembly and validation staff during build and test phases.
  • Partner with sales, project management, and service teams to resolve technical field issues.
  • Upon field test completion, transfer prototype documentation to the commercial engineering team.
• Process Improvement and Knowledge Sharing
  • Mentor colleagues in machinery development practices and serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in key competency areas.
  • Support refinement of the product development process to improve lead times, cost efficiency, quality, and safety.
  • Stay current on automation technologies and share insights with the engineering team.
  • Report machine performance and safety concerns to the Electrical Engineering Manager.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, or associate degree in Engineering with 7+ years of relevant experience designing and programming PLC, HMI, and servo control systems.
• Experience with high-speed servo-driven machinery required.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley (AB) and Fanuc PLC systems.
• Proficiency with Rockwell Automation software and hardware (RSLogix
  5000, Control Logix, Compact Logix, Power Flex VFDs, Kinetix servo drives, Panel View HMIs) preferred.
• 5+ years of AutoCAD experience in schematic generation required.
• Experience with 3D parametric CAD and Product Data Management (PDM) systems preferred.
• Prior exposure to packaging or cam-driven machinery preferred.
• Experience specifying robotics and pick-and-place systems preferred.
• Project management and customer-facing experience strongly preferred.

• Capable of designing and managing control systems for machinery and integrated packaging lines.
• Strong ability to read, analyze, and troubleshoot electrical schematics and engineering software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
• Skilled in mentoring and leading design and project teams.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and critical thinking abilities.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals and groups at all levels, internal and external.
• Works collaboratively with cross-functional teams and demonstrates flexibility in partnering with diverse personalities.
• Contributes to team problem-solving by suggesting ideas and resolving issues constructively.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Engineering and Information Technology

• Staffing and Recruiting

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