Controls Engineer

Huhtamaki, Inc.; Hammond (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Huhtamaki, Inc. is seeking an Automation/Controls Engineer at the Hammond, IN facility. The role focuses on troubleshooting plant control systems, including PLCs, VFDs, sensors, and HMIs, while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental standards.

You will work under the Engineering Manager to support plant goals, identify improvements, and develop training materials for technicians. Responsibilities include updating drawings, planning maintenance, and assisting with capital projects.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in controls & automation.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering-related field.
• Knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot plant control systems including PLCs, VFDs, I/O hardware, sensors, HMIs, and networks.
• Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, and Huhtamaki standards.
• Report to the Engineering Manager to support plant goals and objectives.
• Recommend improvements and optimizations for automation systems.
• Develop training materials for technical skills development for plant electricians and instrumentation technicians.
• Update control system drawings and documentation, maintaining hard copies and electronic copies on the company network.
• Plan weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance activities related to controls & automation systems.
• Support annual capital project planning and execution for the Hammond plant.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

VFDs

I/O hardware

Sensors & HMIs

Automation software

DCS systems

Electrical engineering basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering-related field

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley FactoryTalk

ControlLogix/RSLogix

Rockwell DCS

PlantPAx

Beckhoff PLC systems

Job description

Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet.

Essential Functions

• Troubleshoot plant control systems including PLCs, VFDs, I/O hardware, sensors, HMIs, communication networks, DCS systems, and automation software—through direct, hands‑on involvement and by collaborating with internal and external resources.
• Maintain compliance with internal and external safety and environmental regulations, as well as various Huhtamaki compliance standards.
• Report to the Engineering Manager to support the achievement of plant goals and objectives.
• Recommend improvements and optimizations for automation systems.
• Develop training materials for technical skills development for plant electricians and instrumentation technicians.
• Update control system drawings and documentation, ensuring hard copies are maintained in control panels and electronic copies are saved and updated on the company network.
• Conduct planning for weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance activities related to controls & automation systems.
• Support annual capital project planning and execution for the Hammond plant.

Job Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum one to three years of experience in the controls & automation field.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering‑related field.
• Working knowledge of PLC systems including programming and troubleshooting.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
• Proficiency with Allen‑Bradley automation systems and software including Factory Talk, ControlLogix, RS Logix; additionally, Rockwell DCS, Plant PAX, and HMI systems.
• Proficiency with Beckhoff PLC systems.
• Minimum three years’ experience within a manufacturing environment.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Walking ~10% of the time; standing ~55%; sitting ~35%.
• Twisting, bending/stooping, squatting/kneeling, and reaching above, at, and below shoulder level; may include climbing ladders or stairs.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and use hands and fingers for handling and grasping objects.
• May lift or move up to 35 pounds.
• Required personal protective equipment: safety glasses, safety toe shoes, hearing protection, and a bump cap or hard hat.
• Good Manufacturing Practices require the use of beard nets, hair nets, and prohibition of jewelry including jewelry worn for exposed body piercings.