Position Title: Controls Engineer Wage: Based on Experience A growing manufacturer in Pleasant Prairie, WI is seeking a Controls Engineer to take ownership of PLC-controlled production equipment and help drive the next generation of automation initiatives. This role is critical to supporting existing manufacturing operations while helping shape future automation, robotics, and process improvement efforts. This position offers a unique blend of Controls Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Automation Engineering, making it ideal for someone who enjoys being hands-on, solving complex technical problems, and working directly with production teams. This role is ideal for an engineer who can bridge the gap between automation and manufacturing. The right candidate will be equally comfortable troubleshooting PLC code, improving manufacturing processes, working with production teams, and leading future automation initiatives.
Controls Engineer Responsibilities
- Own and support Allen-Bradley PLC-controlled production equipment
- Troubleshoot and improve RSLogix and Studio 5000 programs
- Support HMIs, sensors, vision systems, leak testers, and automation equipment
- Develop controls standards, documentation, and programming best practices
- Improve equipment reliability, uptime, and overall system performance
- Partner with external automation and controls resources as needed
- Develop and improve manufacturing processes and assembly methods
- Design and enhance assembly fixtures and tooling
- Support new product launches and equipment validation activities
- Establish process specifications and manufacturing standards
- Drive productivity, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Work closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Leadership teams
- Support production troubleshooting and root cause analysis
- Help define automation and manufacturing requirements for future programs
- Contribute to long-term automation and equipment strategies
Requirements for Controls Engineer
- Strong experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs
- Hands-on programming and troubleshooting in RSLogix / Studio 5000
- Manufacturing Engineering or Automation Engineering background
- Experience supporting production equipment in a manufacturing environment
- Knowledge of HMIs, sensors, controls integration, and machine troubleshooting
- Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
- Hands-on approach with the ability to work directly on the production floor
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Vision systems integration experience preferred
- Leak testing equipment experience preferred
- Torque monitoring and data collection systems experience is a plus
- Fixture and tooling design is a plus
- Assembly process development preferred
- Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience preferred
- Exposure to robotics and advanced automation technologies preferred
What Makes This Opportunity Attractive
- High-impact role with ownership of critical manufacturing systems
- Opportunity to influence long-term automation strategy
- Blend of controls, manufacturing, and process engineering responsibilities
- Direct visibility with engineering and operations leadership
- Future involvement in advanced automation and robotics initiatives
- Collaborative environment where engineers have a meaningful voice in decision-making
- Strong growth potential as the organization continues to expand operations
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Corporate bonus program
- Paid time off and holidays
- Additional employee wellness resources