Automation Controls Engineer

Ricoh Electronics, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ricoh Electronics, Inc. is looking for a Controls Engineer to join their ETRIA Manufacturing team in the United States. This position involves applying engineering skills in a manufacturing environment to optimize automation and processes. You will be responsible for evaluating and selecting equipment while working closely with engineering and production teams.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and 2-4 years of relevant experience, particularly in PLC programming and automated systems. A strong understanding of mechanical and electrical principles is essential.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years’ experience in controls/electrical engineering.
• Strong understanding of automated processes.
• Working knowledge of engineering science application in production.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and prepare RFQs for industrial equipment.
• Evaluate and select production equipment.
• Optimize PLC/HMI-based control systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues.
• Develop maintenance procedures and documentation.

Skills

PLC programming (Omron is a plus)

HMI programming

Electrical and mechanical principles

AutoCAD for technical plans and layouts

Robotics programming (Fanuc and Epson is a plus)

Vision system programming (Keyence is a plus)

Statistical analysis

Intermediate MS Office skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Imagine being a team member of ETRIA Manufacturing USA Inc. (EMUS) a member of the Ricoh family of companies, which has a rich history of environmental conservation, community involvement, and steady company growth. ETRIA Manufacturing USA Inc is part of a joint venture with Toshiba TEC (ETRIA Global website ). We are a leading provider of toner products at our facilities in Lawrenceville, GA. Join our team to help create the best manufacturing company in the office printing industry.

Working at EMUS as an Controls Engineer,you will be giventhe opportunity to apply your technical knowledge and skills in a fast-paced, safety-conscious manufacturing environment. In this vital role,youwill be responsible for assisting higher-level engineers in the toner department with assignments to evaluate, select, order, install, set up, design modifications for, test, troubleshoot, improve the performance of, and establish maintenance procedures for manufacturing equipment.

The Controls Engineer will:

• Investigate, plan, and prepare RFQs for industrial equipment used in chemical manufacturing processes (e.g., fine powders and similar materials).
• Evaluate, select, procure, install, and commission production equipment and systems, ensuring proper integration, testing, and optimal performance.
• Coordinate equipment modifications and system upgrades to enhance functionality and reliability.
• Install, configure, and optimize PLC/HMI-based control systems to automate, monitor, and improve industrial processes.
• Design and fabricate new or replacement components or manage external vendors for fabrication as needed.
• Ensure the reliable operation and maintenance of utility systems, including compressors and air dryers.
• Recommend and implement equipment and process improvements to increase production efficiency, yield, and manufacturing effectiveness.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment performance, reliability, and uptime.
• Support Kaizen activities across toner manufacturing operations, including processing, filling, and assembly.
• Troubleshoot routine to moderately complex electrical, mechanical, and control system issues.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on equipment failures and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct research and analyze data to identify opportunities for process and equipment optimization.
• Apply engineering principles, analytical thinking, and problem‑solving skills to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Support sustaining engineering activities, including ECR/ECO implementation, quality improvements, and safety or ergonomic initiatives.
• Develop, update, and maintain:
  • Preventive maintenance procedures and schedules
  • Equipment startup, setup, and troubleshooting documentation
  • Technician qualification standards and operating procedures
• Prepare and present detailed technical reports, including data‑driven analysis and RCA findings.
• Develop and deliver training programs for production and maintenance personnel on equipment operation and maintenance.
• Collaborate daily with manufacturing teams, engineering management, and production staff to exchange ideas and drive improvements; interact with vendors as needed for technical support and equipment specifications.
• Work on routine to moderately complex issues requiring analysis of multiple variables, exercising sound judgment within established procedures.
• Utilize engineering tools and software such as Excel, technical drawings, blueprints, and models to support design, analysis, and decision‑making.
• Apply working knowledge of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, machines, and tools, including their design, operation, repair, and maintenance.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and presentation skills, along with intermediate proficiency in Excel and other technical applications.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Electrical Engineering or related field.

Experience

Required

2-4 years’ experience in controls/electrical engineering.

Strong in PLC (Omron is a plus) and HMI programming, and Drives (Servos, VFDs).

Strong understanding of the electrical, mechanical, and software engineering principles to create and maintain automated processes.

Strong in AutoCAD used for production of technical plans, blueprints, electrical layouts, Electrical drawings, and models required.

Strong ability to program Robots (Fanuc and Epson is a plus).

Strong proficiency in setting up and programming vision system (Keyence is a plus).

Working knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology to the production of various products. (Plus, experience in chemical manufacturing process/powder handling) .

Strong in math, statistical analysis, and research skills.

Strong in analytical, problem solving, communication, project management and presentation skills.

Intermediate skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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