Controls Engineer

BestPack; Ontario (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Free food & snacks

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

BestPack is seeking an experienced Mechanical & Controls Design Engineer to design components, assemblies, frames, and systems, generating detailed drawings and 3D models using CAD tools. You will specify materials, finishes and manufacturing methods while performing analyses as needed.

You will also design and program control systems, integrate with mechanical components, and lead installation, commissioning, and testing, ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Typically 3–7 years of mechanical design plus control systems experience.
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for mechanical design.
• Strong PLC programming and debugging experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Knowledge of safety standards (OSHA, NFPA).

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components, assemblies, frames, mechanisms, and pneumatic/hydraulic systems.
• Create 3D models and drawings; select materials and manufacturing methods.
• Develop control logic and interlocks; integrate with motion control.

Skills

Mechanical design

Controls design

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

BSc Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD - SolidWorks

AutoCAD

PLC programming

SCADA

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Key Responsibilities

• Mechanical Design
  • Design mechanical components, assemblies, frames, mechanisms, pneumatic/hydraulic systems as required.
  • Generate detailed drawings, 3D models (e.g. SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.), select materials, finishes, and manufacturing methods.
  • Perform mechanical stress/thermal/kinematic analyses as needed.
• Controls / Automation Design
  • Specify, design, program, configure, test, and commission control systems (PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, drives, etc.).
  • Develop control logic, interlocks, safety features.
  • Integrate mechanical components with control systems (e.g. feedback loops, motion control).
• Installation, Commissioning & Testing
  • Oversee or perform machine build, wiring, panel design and assembly, installation on-site.
  • Conduct machine start-ups, commissioning, debug mechanical and control issues.
  • Test machines for performance, safety, compliance; debug and optimize.
• Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Improvement
  • Diagnose mechanical and control-related problems in production equipment.
  • Work with maintenance teams to reduce downtime, improve reliability.
  • Lead continuous improvement projects (e.g. reduce cycle time, energy usage, improve quality).
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Create and maintain documentation: mechanical drawings, control schematics, electrical wiring diagrams, user manuals, programming documentation.
  • Ensure designs meet relevant safety, electrical, mechanical codes and standards.
  • Support regulatory compliance and risk assessments (e.g. guarding, emergency stops, interlocks).
• Collaboration & Project Management
  • Work with project managers to estimate costs, schedule work, define deliverables.
  • Coordinate with vendors for components (electrical, mechanical) and evaluate vendor offerings.
  • Communicate with other engineering disciplines (electrical, software), production, quality, and maintenance.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls/Automation, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience: Typically 3-7 years of experience in mechanical design + control systems, ideally in manufacturing or packaging machinery.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) for mechanical design.
  • Strong PLC programming and debugging experience (e.g. Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.).
  • Understanding of motion control, sensors, drives/VFDs.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings.
  • Knowledge of safety standards (e.g. OSHA, NFPA, relevant local & industry standards).
• Desired Skills & Attributes:
  • Strong problem‐solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Good communication skills, able to work cross‑departmentally.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines.
  • Practical, hands‑on mindset; comfortable working both at desk (design) and shop/field (commissioning, troubleshooting).
• Optional / Nice to Have:
  • Experience with robotics, vision systems.
  • Familiarity with SCADA / networked control systems.
  • Experience with predictive maintenance, data analytics.

Working Conditions & Other Info

• May require travel to customer / installation sites.
• On‑site work in production / machinery shop, occasionally lifting/moving heavy components, climbing, working at heights or in confined spaces as required.
• Standard hours, but possible overtime for project deadlines or emergency repairs.

Performance Metrics / KPIs

• Machine uptime / reliability improvements.
• Successful completion of design & control projects on time and within budget.
• Reduction in mechanical or control failures / breakdowns.
• Improvements in cycle time, throughput, efficiency.
• Safety compliance, incident rates related to design & controls.