Controls Engineer

Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkar-RapidPak, Inc. is seeking a Controls Engineer to design and implement advanced automation control systems for food processing applications.

You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and field service teams to take concepts from design through customer acceptance using Rockwell platforms as the primary toolset. The role requires 5+ years of experience in manufacturing control systems, proficiency with PLC/HMI design, and strong electrical schematic skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in an Engineering related discipline or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years designing and programming industrial control systems in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC/HMI; Siemens experience is a plus.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and controls documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, process, and motion systems —from initial concept through customer acceptance—Rockwell platforms preferred
• Translate customer and internal technical requirements into defined control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and field service teams; serve as a flexible resource across projects and priorities as demands shift.
• Guide the design of electrical schematics and controls documentation to ensure safety, accuracy and quality.
• Support system startups and commissioning activities both remotely and occasionally on-site (travel up to 10%).
• Stay current with emerging controls technologies—servo motion, industrial networking, and automation trends
• Contribute to a team culture where everyone’s success matters.

Skills

Industrial control systems design

PLC and HMI design

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation reading/review

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC/HMI

Siemens

Electrical schematics reading

Job description

Description

Position Summary

As a Controls Engineer at Alkar, you’ll design the latest automation control systems while collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service. We’re looking for someone who has a strong technical background and versatility who can shift gears when priorities change, help others, and grow alongside a company that’s still innovating after 100+ years.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, process, and motion systems —from initial concept through customer acceptance—Rockwell platforms preferred
• Translate customer and internal technical requirements into defined control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and field service teams; serve as a flexible resource across projects and priorities as demands shift.
• Guide the design of electrical schematics and controls documentation to ensure safety, accuracy and quality.
• Support system startups and commissioning activities both remotely and occasionally on-site (travel up to 10%).
• Stay current with emerging controls technologies—servo motion, industrial networking, and automation trends
• Contribute to a team culture where everyone’s success matters.

What Sets Alkar Apart

Alkar has been an industry leader for over 50 years—and we’re still growing. What keeps our people here isn’t just stability; it’s the opportunity to do work that genuinely matters, on a team that values your development as much as your output. Many of our engineers and staff have spent decades with us, and that depth of experience creates an environment where you’ll learn, contribute, and grow from day one.

• Real-world impact — The systems we build are in food processing facilities around the world. You’ll see the results of your work in action.
• Innovation at the forefront — We embrace emerging technologies and encourage our engineers to stay current, bring new ideas, and continue improving.
• Personal and professional growth — We invest in our people. Whether it’s developing new skills, taking on bigger projects, or stepping into a new role, there’s room to grow here.
• Century-strong foundation — Over 100 years in business means proven processes, trusted customer relationships, and a company that knows how to weather change.
• People who stay — Long tenures are common here. Our team’s institutional knowledge and camaraderie are something you have to experience to appreciate.
• Flexible work hours — We trust our people to get the job done and offer flexibility to support work-life balance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in an Engineering related discipline or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience designing, and programming industrial control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with PLC and HMI design using Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms; Siemens experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and follow through to completion.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and controls documentation.
• Solid understanding of industrial automation systems and control networks.
• Commitment to safety, quality, reliability and operational excellence.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• You enjoy solving problems and hands-on troubleshooting.
• Adaptable and dependable; you adjust to a dynamic environment without losing focus or quality.
• Collaborative by nature—able to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams, willing to support colleagues when needed.
• Highly organized with attention to detail
• Effective communicator—clear and professional verbal and written skills.
• Aligned with a culture built on trust, longevity, and doing things the right way—not just the fast way.
• Familiarity with servo motion control, multi-system integration, and OT networking is a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based, with occasional work on the shop floor or at customer sites.
• Environments may include temperature-controlled areas (heated or refrigerated).
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs may be required.