Auto & Controls Engineer

OSI Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 91,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

OSI Group seeks a hands-on Controls Systems Engineer to manage automation projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will work with plant management, contractors, and corporate resources to deliver cost-effective solutions, focusing on electrical, mechanical, and controls systems troubleshooting.

The ideal candidate will have practical troubleshooting experience with PLCs, HMI, and OT networks, and a collaborative approach with maintenance teams to minimize downtime and improve

Qualifications

• Experience in managing automation/control projects in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of hardware design, PLC, HMI, SCADA, and OT networks.
• Ability to read schematics and provide practical troubleshooting guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation/control projects from planning through start-up.
• Develop and enforce technical standards for hardware and panel design.
• Provide technical support during automation initiatives and during start-up.

Skills

Microsoft Office

FactoryTalk Suite

Allen-Bradley PLCs

PanelView/PanelViewPlus HMIs

Industrial networks (Ethernet, EtherIP

Education

BA/BS or equivalent

Tools

Factory Talk Suite

Allen-Bradley PLCs

PanelView HMIs

Industrial networks (Ethernet, DeviceNet, DH+)

Job description

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world’s leading foodservice and retail food brands to provide concept-to-table solutions that delight consumers around the globe.

Join us and discover a work experience where diverse ideas are met with enthusiasm, and where you can learn and grow to your full potential. We’re looking for individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and who enjoy working as a team to deliver unparalleled service and solutions to our customers.

Job Summary

This role is responsible for managing engineering projects from concept through scope definition, design, costing, planning, installation, start-up and follow up assessment. Works with plant management, corporate resources, and third-party vendors and contractors to deliver cost effective solutions that work. The successful candidate is an experienced hands‑on controls systems integrator, enthusiastic team player, self-disciplined individual, and is attentive to details with ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

We are looking for a hands‑on industrial troubleshooting professional to support production equipment and automation systems in a manufacturing environment. This role works closely with maintenance mechanics to diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and controls‑related issues to keep equipment operating safely and reliably.

The ideal candidate has practical, hands‑on experience troubleshooting industrial equipment and controls systems. PLC knowledge is important, but this is not a programming role. We are looking for someone who enjoys working directly with equipment, identifying root causes, and collaborating with the maintenance team to get production back up and running.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in all phases, from planning to completion, of automation and controls projects by providing input on appropriate design specifications; management of schedule, scope, cost, and quality; recommend equipment and methods based on knowledge of current industry standard; site start‑up support.
• Develop, recommend, and implement as directed, an organization‑wide technical standards/guidelines relative to hardware and panel design, PLC and HMI programming, SCADA, power distribution, and OT network architect.
• Provide technical support to plant and engineering department during any consideration of automation and controls integration initiatives.
• Develop, recommend, and implement as directed, training programs designed to educate plant maintenance and technical teams on automation basic principles and controls systems troubleshooting.
• Ensure that daily tasks are completed, be able to execute job order assignments, and keep accurate job order records.
• Complete all forms required, submit all paperwork to your supervisor upon completion.
• Ensure that all employees in the department follow GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and are wearing proper PPE.
• Must be able to read and interpret schematics and manuals pertaining to equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance (PM) schedules as assigned.
• Perform on‑job training of other maintenance employees.
• This role has the responsibility to understand and place in practice appropriate safety procedures. This responsibility is achieved through education, training, use of protective equipment (as applicable) and by following safety policies, regulations, standards, and laws.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Skills

• 3-5 years of experience in related field is preferred.
• Excellent proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite Products.
• Strong knowledge with Factory Talk Suite, Allen‑Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PLC5, and SLC500) PLCs, PanelView/PanelviewPlus HMIs, Industrial Communication Networks (Ethernet, EthenetI/P, DeviceNet, DH+, etc.).
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic control systems and clearly communicate technical solutions for any control system challenges.
• Familiar with automation and controls industry standards and support contacts.

Education

• BA/BS or equivalent is preferred.

Compensation/Benefits

The salary range for this role is $90,640–$135,960, with a midpoint of $113,300. Offers are typically made between the minimum and midpoint of the range, based on skills, experience, and internal equity. In rare cases, highly qualified candidates may receive an offer above the midpoint; however, offers at the maximum of the range are not customary. The salary range posted represents the low and high end of OSI’s salary range for this position. Salaries will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to, location, education, skills, experience, and performance. Base salary is one component of OSI’s overall total rewards package. Other components may include bonuses, special pay programs, comprehensive time off, 401k with match, and a full suite of benefit offerings for you and your family.

Work Environment

• Work can be performed within a manufacturing plant environment with noise, extreme temperatures, and significant movement of powered equipment, people and conveyor (may depend on the role).
• Work conditions are typical of a food manufacturing facility.
• This role does not require any domestic travel.
• Position may require the physical agility of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Position may require frequent and/or infrequent of bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, stretching/reaching, use hands or fingers, talk, hear, feel objects, tools, controls and standing/walking on concrete flooring.
• Position may require the physical ability to stand/walk for Greater than 4 hours.