Controls Engineer

Laitram LLC; Harahan (LA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Laitram Machinery is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, develop, implement, and support industrial control systems for food processing machinery. This role collaborates with a peer engineer across the product line and supports the full machine lifecycle from design through commissioning and ongoing improvements.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in industrial controls, strong skills with PLC/HMI/VFD platforms (Schneider Electric focus), and can read electrical schematics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Systems, Computer Science/Programming, or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in industrial controls or automation.
• Working knowledge of industrial computers, networking, and system integration concepts.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics, manufacturer drawings, and technical manuals.
• Proficiency in configuring and supporting PLCs, HMIs, industrial computers, networks, and VFDs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineering teams, customers, and suppliers.
• Self-motivated and self-managed, with a continuous learning mindset.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel 5-10%, including domestic and occasional international travel.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Purchasing, Suppliers, and Project Managers to deliver high quality Laitram Machinery solutions.
• Independently write, implement, document, and debug control system software, including integration of field devices such as VFDs, photo-eyes, shaft encoders, solenoids, scales, and related equipment.
• Develop and support machine control systems primarily based on Schneider Electric PLC, HMI, and VFD platforms.
• Support control systems throughout the full machine lifecycle, including design, build, factory testing, installation, commissioning, and system improvements.
• Create clear technical documentation and training materials for internal users (engineers and technicians), customers, and suppliers.
• Provide remote and onsite troubleshooting control systems to support regional service engineers.
• Provide installation and commissioning support, both remotely and onsite, as required.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to continuously improve control system performance, reliability, and standardization.
• Comply with all company, customer, and regulatory safety requirements while working in manufacturing and customer environments.

Skills

Industrial controls

PLC/HMI/VFD configuration

Electrical schematics reading

Cross-functional communication

Willingness to travel

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Systems, Computer Science/Programming, or related field

Tools

Schneider Electric PLC

HMI platforms

VFDs

Industrial networks

Job description

Laitram Machinery is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, develop, implement, and support industrial control systems for food processing machinery. This Engineer-level position works collaboratively with a peer engineer within the same product line and supports systems across the full machine lifecycle, from initial design through commissioning and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is technically strong, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in fast-paced manufacturing and customer environments. For over 70 years, Laitram Machinery has pioneered the manufacturing of high-performance shrimp-peeling equipment, and more recently, steam cookers, blanchers, nut pasteurizers, roasters, and sorters. All of our products are designed to increase efficiency, improve product quality and yield for processors worldwide. Laitram Machinery is one of four operating divisions of Laitram, L.L.C. and offers an unparalleled opportunity for those who want to work for an established, yet growing company in the private sector.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Purchasing, Suppliers, and Project Managers to deliver high quality Laitram Machinery solutions.
• Independently write, implement, document, and debug control system software, including integration of field devices such as VFDs, photo-eyes, shaft encoders, solenoids, scales, and related equipment.
• Develop and support machine control systems primarily based on Schneider Electric PLC, HMI, and VFD platforms.
• Support control systems throughout the full machine lifecycle, including design, build, factory testing, installation, commissioning, and system improvements.
• Create clear technical documentation and training materials for internal users (engineers and technicians), customers, and suppliers.
• Provide remote and onsite (in plant) troubleshooting control systems to support regional service engineers.
• Provide installation and commissioning support, both remotely and onsite, as required.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to continuously improve control system performance, reliability, and standardization.
• Comply with all company, customer, and regulatory safety requirements while working in manufacturing and customer environments.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Systems, Computer Science/Programming, or related field
• Experience: 4+ years of experience in industrial controls or automation
• Working knowledge of industrial computers, networking, and system integration concepts
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics, manufacturer drawings, and technical manuals
• Proficiency in configuring and supporting PLCs, HMIs, industrial computers, networks, and variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineering teams, customers, and suppliers
• Self-motivated and self-managed, with a continuous learning mindset
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Power Point
• Ability to travel approximately 5-10%, based on project and business needs, including domestic and occasional international travel to customer sites and manufacturing facilities.