Controls Engineer

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Kentucky; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with Generous Company Match

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid time off, paid holidays

Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements

Education Assistance

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Referral Program & More!

Job summary

Sika Corporation in Kentucky seeks a Controls Engineer to implement and support automated processes in Marion Operations. You will design, program, troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, HMIs, robotics, and networked instruments to improve throughput and reliability.

You will manage projects, collaborate across functions, mentor others, ensure safety and OSHA compliance, and drive continuous improvements in packaging and mixing systems.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical preferred).
• 3-5 years experience in manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution environment with automation, PLCs, and packaging equipment.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• Strong math skills including fractions, decimals and percentages.
• Ability to develop process expertise for troubleshooting.
• Excellent attendance and reliability.
• Expert experience in automation, PLCs, and robotics.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and computer skills.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and ability to document accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in the Sika SAFE Program.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment per policy.
• Manage vendors and contractors to meet safety standards, budgets, and timelines.
• Design, develop, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems, HMIs, robotics, networks, instrumentation, and vision systems.
• Develop PLC programs using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent platforms.
• Configure and troubleshoot VFDs, servo systems, safety PLCs, distributed I/O, and networks.
• Interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and equipment specs.
• Tune PID loops and optimize process control for tooling and processes.
• Manage projects from CARs through to implementation and verification.
• Implement changes to production processes and equipment to increase output.
• Review layouts for optimal performance and implement improvements.
• Identify and develop automated solutions to improve safety, ergonomics, quality, and cost.
• Capture lessons learned for future projects.
• Program, troubleshoot, and support automated systems including cameras.
• Create procedures,Documentation, routings, and related process docs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operators, R&D, QA, supply management, and leadership.
• Serve as technical expert in controls equipment and automation; mentor others.
• Take on additional responsibilities to support the automation strategy.
• Perform other duties as required by Maintenance & Engineering Manager.

Skills

Automation

PLCs

Robotics

English proficiency

Education

Associate degree in Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Job description

With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the transportation, marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries.

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF 11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

Job Description

Broad Function and Purpose of Position:

The primary function of a Controls Engineer is to help implement and provide continued support to the automated processes within our Marion Operations. The role heavily focuses on maintaining controls and robotic solutions paired with our production equipment. The equipment has a large dependency on programmable logic controls (PLC) and often integrates with other types of equipment that can also involve non-robotic automation. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Maintenance & Engineering Manager.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Actively participate in the Sika SAFE Program.
• Maintain safe and clean work environment in accordance with the Sika Housekeeping policy.
• Manage vendors and contractors to ensure compliance with Sika’s health, safety and behavior standards and to monitor progress toward project completion within agreed upon timeframe budget.
• Design, develop, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems, HMI applications, robotics, industrial networks, instrumentation, and machine vision systems.
• Develop, modify, and support PLC programs using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent platforms.
• Configure and troubleshoot VFDs, servo systems, safety PLCs, distributed I/O, and industrial communication networks.
• Interpret and review electrical drawings, P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and equipment specifications.
• Tune PID loops and optimize process control strategies for manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Manage some projects from start to finish including Capital Appropriation Requests (CARs) with project budgets, savings, timelines, runoff criteria, status reporting, system implementation, and all other project details.
• Implement changes in existing production processes, equipment and facilities; engineer new processes, to increase output capacity and reduce/eliminate bottlenecks.
• Review new and existing layouts of machines and equipment to obtain optimal performance, recommend and implement changes.
• Identify and conceptualize primarily mixing and packaging systems, at times other forms of automated solutions to drive improvements in safety, ergonomics, quality, productivity, and cost reductions throughout the operations.
• Gather lessons learned and best practices to streamline future projects.
• Program, troubleshoot, and provide support to automated systems, including PLC based controllers, networking solutions and camera vision systems.
• Creates procedures, documentation, routings, and other necessary documentation for the processes.
• Collaborates and communicates cross functionally with all levels of the organization including but not limited to operators, R&D, QA, supply management, and executive management.
• Serve as the technical expert in controls equipment and automation while mentoring and train others in the technical aspects of automation systems.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as needed or directed in support of the Company’s automation strategy.
• Perform other work and projects as required by the Maintenance & Engineering Manager.

Qualifications

Qualifications/Experience:

• Education: Associate’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical preferred).
• Years Experience: 3-5 years experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution center environment. Direct experience with implementing, maintaining, and operating automation, PLCs, and packaging equipment.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• Must have good math skills, including the ability to work with fractions, decimals and percentages.
• Must have the ability to develop process expertise in order to facilitate troubleshooting.
• Must be able to maintain an excellent attendance record.
• Must have expert experience in automation, PLCs, and robotics.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and proficiency in computer applications.
• Must have knowledge of OSHA regulations and guidelines and ability to prepare and maintain required documentation.
• Independent worker, with strong organizational skills, who requires minimal supervision.
• Must be flexible to work any shift and overtime as business requires.
• Must be self-motivated and able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Additional Information

• 401k with Generous Company Match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays
• Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements
• Education Assistance
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program & More!

Sika fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, empowering each individual to make decisions, learn from experiences, and shape their own career path. The safety and well-being of employees are top priorities at Sika, with a strong commitment to open communication and maintaining a safe workplace. In addition, Sika actively contributes to the community and promotes sustainability by giving back, minimizing environmental impact, and embracing social responsibility.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Sika Corporation is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals that apply. As an equal opportunity employer Sika will consider all qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics.

Sika Corporation is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals that apply. As an equal opportunity employer Sika will consider all qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.