Controls Engineer

Trilliant Food and Nutrition, LLC; Little Chute (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Trilliant Food & Nutrition, LLC in Little Chute, WI seeks a Controls Engineer to lead PLC programming, HMI development, and upgrades in a fast-paced food manufacturing setting.

You will write and troubleshoot PLC code (Allen Bradley), deploy HMI interfaces, support maintenance, and mentor others while helping scale automation for new line startups.

Candidates should have a BS in EE or CS, 2–5 years of experience with industrial controls, and experience with Python, VB.net, SQL, and machine vision.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science preferred.
• 2-5 years' relevant experience working with and configuring industrial machine controls.
• Able to write and troubleshoot PLC code (primarily Allen Bradley).
• Create, modify, and deploy HMI interfaces (primarily Allen Bradley PanelView ME/SE).
• Experience with higher level programming languages (Python, VB.net).
• Experience with SQL databases and data queries.
• Experience troubleshooting machine vision systems and cameras.
• Knowledge of ethernet networks and electrical schematics.

Responsibilities

• Provide Direction and Support for PLC ladder logic programming and HMI application programming.
• Write and/or modify PLC programs to control industrial food processing equipment.
• Support operations and maintenance to keep equipment running and maximize efficiency.
• Contribute to improvements in internal processes, standards, and designs to ensure efficient development of systems and products to meet our business expectations.
• Provide technical mentorship and direction for other engineers, maintenance and operations personnel.
• Identify root causes, develop alternative solutions, and communicate benefits and risks.
• Develop and follow control standards.
• Create and modify HMI screens for operator interaction.
• Review, design, draw, BOMs, specifications, etc., ensuring projects meet specs and performance requirements.
• Write processes, procedures, and policies as required.
• Spend significant time on the floor directing contractors and OEM technicians.
• Installation, I/O checkouts, startup, and plant acceptance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Python

VB.net

SQL

Electrical troubleshooting

Machine vision

Ethernet networks

Schematic reading

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Time management

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

PanelView ME/SE

Job description

About Us

Trilliant Food & Nutrition is a leading manufacturer of premium coffees and powdered beverages, proudly headquartered in Little Chute, Wisconsin. With a legacy rooted in quality, innovation, and service, Trilliant delivers branded and private label solutions across retail, foodservice, and e-commerce channels.

Horseshoe Beverage Company, based in Neenah, WI, is a leading ready-to-drink beverage manufacturer dedicated to delivering an exceptional beverage experience. By combining industry-leading talent and cutting-edge equipment, we drive innovation and consistently deliver the highest quality products to our customers-first and fast.

Our brand portfolio includes Victor Allen's, Dutch Bros beverages and Nurri, our better-for-you protein beverage line. We are passionate about beverages - and about building a team that's just as energized. We invite you to explore opportunities at Trilliant or Horseshoe, to see if your talents and career aspirations may fit with our openings.

Our Core Values

Position Overview

The Controls Engineer will manage and support controls/automation projects and upgrading existing systems.

This position will perform high level technical controls programming, troubleshooting and improvements. Our facility is expanding, which provides the opportunity to be involved in new line and/or new product start-ups and development of maintenance department process and procedure development.

This role works 5:45pm - 6:00am on a 2-2-3 schedule at our Little Chute, WI manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

• Provide Direction and Support for PLC ladder logic programming and HMI Application programming.
• Write and/or modify PLC programs to control industrial food processing equipment.
• Support operations and maintenance to keep equipment running and maximize efficiency.
• Contribute to improvements in internal processes, standards, and designs to ensure efficient development of systems and products to meet our business expectations.
• Provide Technical Mentorship and Direction for other Engineers, Maintenance and Operations Personnel.
• Use independent judgment, consistently and clearly demonstrates creativity and innovation in finding solutions. Identify root cause of problems. Develop alternative solutions and communicate associated benefits and risks.
• Develop and follow Control Standards
• Create and modify HMI screens for operator interaction.
• Create and review, design, draw, BOMs, specifications, etc. and ensures that projects meet specifications, standards, and performance requirements within area of expertise.
• Write processes, procedures and policies as required.
• Prepare written information, documentation, reports, correspondence, procedures and/or specifications as required.
• Spend significant time on the floor directing contractors, working with OEM technicians, and working with plant personnel.
• Installation, I/O Checkout, Startup, and Plant Acceptance
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science preferred.
• 2-5 years' relevant experience working with and configuring industrial machine controls.
• Able to write and troubleshoot PLC code (primarily Allen Bradley)
• Create, modify, and deploy HMI interfaces (primarily Allen Bradley PanelView ME/SE)
• Experience with higher level programming languages (Python, VB.net)
• Experience with writing, modifying, and querying relational databases (SQL)
• Experience troubleshooting and fine-tuning machine vision systems and cameras.
• Experience with electrical troubleshooting safely including low voltage wiring, communication cables, and safety signals.
• Knowledge of ethernet communication networks
• Ability to create and read electrical schematics.
• Demonstrated ability to independently create functional & cost-effective designs/processes that meet complex specification requirements.
• Strong troubleshooting and judgment skills.
• Resourceful, proactive, high energy, results driven.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively manage projects and manage change.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate well cross-functionally and work well at all levels of the organization.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of administration of SOP, OSHA, GMP, SQF, NFPA, HACCP or other quality, food, and human safety programs a plus.
• Adhere to all Food Safety, Safety, GMP and Quality policies and procedures.

Hours, Location and Pay

We offer a competitive base pay rate and benefits package for full-time employees. This role works 5:45pm - 6:00am on a 2-2-3 schedule at our Little Chute, WI manufacturing facility.

Physical and Mental Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, hear, use hands to type data, use a personal computer and telephone. This employee may occasionally have to operate business machines and lift and/move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required in this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Mental demands include multi-tasking, decision making, problem solving, comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, and synthesizing data.
• Potential for exposure to chemicals, heights, loud noises, mechanical equipment, wet environments, and other potential hazards exists.

Safety Statement

At Trilliant and Horseshoe, safety is every employee's first responsibility. We expect all employees to adhere to all safety practices, have the moral courage to stop other individuals from performing unsafe acts, and immediately report unsafe conditions.

Disclosures

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
• Responsible for following food safety/regulatory policies and procedures, executing responsibilities as identified in standard operating procedures, and reporting food safety/regulatory concerns to the Production or Quality Manager.
• Trilliant Food & Nutrition and Horseshoe Beverage Company are Drug Free Workplaces. All applicants are subject to a drug screen and background check as a condition of employment.
• Trilliant Food and Nutrition and Horseshoe Beverage participate in the E-Verify process.
• EEO/AA including Vets and Disabled
• If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
• Trilliant Food and Nutrition and Horseshoe Beverage are Equal Opportunity Employers.
• The principles of the OECD and UN have been taken into consideration and used as guidance in our human rights practices and procedures.