Controls Engineer

kaisercareers; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Aluminum in Chandler, Arizona, is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to maintain, improve, and optimize plant electrical systems and PLC-based controls. The role emphasizes troubleshooting, safety, and leadership on capital projects to enhance throughput and reliability.

The successful candidate will have a BS in Electrical/Mechatronics/Industrial Engineering or related field and 5+ years in manufacturing, with hands-on PLC experience (Allen-Bradley preferred) and knowledge of NFPA 70E,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in electrical/industrial field.
• 5+ years in manufacturing, industrial, or production facility.
• Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley preferred).
• Strong background in electrical systems (480V, controls, sensors).
• Ability to read electrical schematics and automation documentation.
• Experience with NFPA 70E, NEC, OSHA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, improve, and optimize plant equipment and processes with focus on electrical systems and PLC controls.
• Lead or support capital projects and process improvements; manage budgets and schedules.
• Solicit bids, review proposals, and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Coordinate with maintenance, production, and engineering teams on capital projects and timelines.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and company standards; participate in safety audits.
• Maintain documentation including schematics, network diagrams, and PLC/HMI backups.
• Provide technical assistance to production and maintenance as needed.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

HMI/SCADA

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

VFDs

HMIs

Job description

Kaiser Aluminum is known around the world for its superior quality. Our secret is what we put into it - innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and a world-class commitment to customer service. In short, the same qualities we look for in our people. We are looking for a Controls Engineer to join Kaiser Aluminum in Chandler, Arizona! Requisition 1394 at www.kasieraluminum.com/careers

The Manufacturing Plant Engineer is responsible for maintaining, improving, and optimizing plant equipment and processes with a strong focus on electrical systems, automation, and PLC-based controls. This role provides technical leadership for troubleshooting, system upgrades, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations.

We are not providing sponsorship now or in the future for this position. We cannot support candidates on H1B, F-1 or OPT visas.

What you will work on:

• Ensure the Building/Grounds/Equipment are maintained to promote a safe working environment.
• Ensure compliance of all maintenance requirements, facilities requirements, Federal, State, local applicable regulations, OSHA, EPA, Tribal, and City of Chandler are followed.
• Own and manage capital budget. Track spending against budget
• Communicate with internal & external personnel on any matter relevant to your job function; (Phone, e-mail, in person, by mail; etc.) as long as the communication does not violate Kaiser Aluminum's Code of Conduct.
• Solicit bids from contractors for new projects. Review proposals for completion & compliance with specifications & requirements.
• Monitor construction to ensure all specifications & requirements are met.
• Maintain working relationship with all utility companies e.g. (Gila River Power Authority & San Carlos Irrigation Project on plant power, Southwest Gas & maintenance requirements).
• Submit construction plans & building permit applications to Gila River Indian Community for review & approval. Arrange for permit fee payment after approval.
• Determine technical specifications for new equipment & solicit proposals from suppliers (ensuring conformance to specifications).
• Facilitate plant & equipment improvements (both equipment and process).
• Adhere to Chandler Business Process Narrative Sox Controls.
• Follow applicable Environmental, Quality, & Safety documents.
• Effectively manage and implement medium to high complexity multi-functional projects.
• Responsible for scheduling, budget management and facilitating of projects through all phases.
• Leverage and manage plant functional resources to successfully deliver project results.

What you will bring to the position:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3-7+ years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or production facility.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley preferred).
• Strong background in electrical systems (480V, controls, sensors, instrumentation).
• Ability to read electrical schematics and automation documentation.
• Analyze and design capital improvement projects through coordination with multiple departments and plant needs.
• Ensure all electrical and control system work complies with NFPA 70E, NEC, OSHA, and company standards.
• Lead or support safety system upgrades including interlocks, e-stops, machine guarding controls, and functional safety assessments.
• Participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and hazard mitigations.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex electrical and control-system issues across production equipment.
• Maintain and program PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMIs, VFDs, servos, and industrial automation components.
• Ensure proper operation of electrical distribution systems, control panels, instrumentation, and sensors.
• Lead equipment upgrades, control system migrations, line improvements, and automation enhancements.
• Design, specify, and implement electrical/automation solutions to improve safety, quality, and throughput.
• Collaborate with maintenance, production, and engineering teams on capital projects and process optimization.
• Maintain documentation including electrical schematics, network diagrams, and PLC/HMI logic backups.
• Knowledge of federal, state, & tribal, regulations, laws & other government and corporate compliance programs.
• Must have 5+ years of experience in at least one area of mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic expertise.
• Have strong mechanical & electrical ability including understanding of machine operations & capabilities.
• Able to maintain and troubleshoot PLC controlled equipment.
• Understanding of AC drives and servo motors.
• Knowledge of natural gas combustion systems for ovens and furnaces.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic equipment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills & works as a team player effectively.
• Competence in problem solving, team building, planning and decision making
• Have an understanding of construction methods & materials.
• Strong effective communication skills, both verbal & written. Be able to work with personnel at all levels of the organization including external personnel (agencies & contractors).
• Able to work a flexible schedule.
• Provide technical assistance to production and maintenance as needed.
• Microsoft Office proficiency

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered based on job-related qualifications and abilities. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

About Kaiser Aluminum: Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing an inclusive culture.