Controls Engineer

Laitram Machinery; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

4 weeks PTO

12 paid holidays

on campus gym/pharmacy/wellness center

401(k)

tuition reimbursement

stem cell treatment

IVF

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 peers 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 in fast-paced manufacturing and customer environments. Travel up to 10% is expected.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Systems, Computer Science/Programming or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in industrial controls or automation.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, manufacturer drawings, and manuals.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and support industrial control systems for food processing machinery.
• Write, implement, document, and debug control system software (PLC/HMI/VFD) and integrate field devices.
• Develop and support machine control systems across the full lifecycle, from design to commissioning and improvements.
• Create clear technical documentation and training materials for engineers, technicians, customers and suppliers.
• Provide remote and onsite troubleshooting and commissioning support.

Skills

Industrial controls

PLC programming

HMI development

VFDs

Education

BS in Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Systems, Computer Science/Programming

Tools

Schneider Electric PLCs

SolidWorks/Creo

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. To learn more about our company culture, philosophy, and benefits, please visit our company page.

BENEFITS

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• 4 weeks PTO
• 12 paid holidays
• on campus gym/pharmacy/wellness center
• 401(k)
• tuition reimbursement
• stem cell treatment
• IVF
• many more

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

• Bachelor of Science degree 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 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Schneider Electric PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, Servos, and associated programming software
• Experience with Schneider Electric control platforms strongly preferred; familiarity with other major PLC platforms is a plus.
• Familiarity with UL requirements and compliance
• Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Experience using SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER (Creo), or equivalent 3D CAD software
• Experience with scripting (e.g., Python, PowerShell) or automation tools
• Experience with SQL, data collection, or integration between control systems and databases

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled