Controls Engineer

Aunt Millie's Bakeries; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company is seeking a Controls Engineer to enhance manufacturing quality and efficiency. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and significant experience with Allen Bradley PLC systems. The role requires troubleshooting, programming, and optimizing production systems while adhering to safety standards. Travel up to 60% is necessary to support multiple facilities. This position offers a great opportunity to contribute to a high-performing engineering team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering preferred.
• 3+ years of electrical and controls experience, preferably in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of PLC, HMI, VFD, servo programming.

Responsibilities

• Champion safety and food-safety protocols.
• Provide programming and troubleshooting for PLC hardware.
• Conduct travel to support multiple facilities (60% travel required).
• Restore and modify Allen Bradley PLC programs.

Skills

Process engineering & optimization capabilities

Cost reduction and waste elimination strategies

Quality improvement methodologies

Manufacturing safety standards knowledge

Project management abilities

Data analysis aptitude

Technical documentation proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/industrial/manufacturing engineering

Tools

Allen Bradley Controls hardware

AutoCAD

Job description

As a Controls Engineer, you will drive manufacturing excellence by developing and implementing enhanced methods that improve quality, reduce costs, enhance safety, and decrease lead times through lean concepts and tools. You'll provide crucial manufacturing and process engineering support, serving as a technical cornerstone for our operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Champion safety and food-safety by adhering to all company OSHA protocols, government regulations, and procedures including Lock-out/Tag-out, Arc Flash electrical safety, NFPA standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and personal safety measures
• Foster a positive workplace culture built on mutual respect, teamwork, and professionalism, actively supporting company values and policies
• Provide direction and execute programming for installation and technical troubleshooting of PLC ladder-logic based hardware and software applications throughout the plant
• Apply expertise with Allen Bradley Controls hardware, AutoCAD and Ethernet devices to solve complex manufacturing challenges
• Troubleshoot, repair and install electrical and electronic equipment and instrumentation to maintain optimal production efficiency
• Restore and modify Allen Bradley (Control Logix, Compact Logix, PLC-5) PLC programs and verify correct software revisions/edits
• Read, interpret, and update Allen Bradley PLC ladder programs (DH485, DH+, Ethernet, RS-485, RS-232, etc.)
• Interpret and update electrical blueprints, schematics, and flow diagrams with precision and accuracy
• Provide responsive controls and systems engineering support for emergencies and unscheduled repairs during both peak and off-peak production times
• Analyze equipment manuals, schematics, and machinery assembly drawings to create component hardware BOMs
• Travel to various locations (60% travel required) to support multiple facilities
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in electrical/industrial/manufacturing engineering preferred, equivalent experience required

EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years of experience in food manufacturing environment preferred but not required
• 3+ years electrical experience essential
• 3+ years of controls experience with PLC, HMI, VFD, servo and programming knowledge

SKILLS

• Process engineering & optimization capabilities
• Cost reduction and waste elimination strategies
• Quality improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, SPC, root cause analysis)
• Manufacturing safety standards & risk mitigation knowledge
• Project management & cross-functional collaboration abilities
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving aptitude
• Technical documentation & standard work development proficiency

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work effectively in a food manufacturing environment, including exposure to allergens, varying temperatures (hot/cold), humidity levels, and noise
• Meet physical demands including kneeling, bending, lifting, working at heights, and wearing required PPE
• Enter and work in confined spaces following all required safety protocols, training, and permits
• Lift and move equipment or materials weighing up to 50 pounds as needed
• Navigate unforgiving surfaces and access all areas of operations throughout the facility to conduct investigations when necessary