Controls Engineer

ALKAR Inc.; Town of Lodi (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ALKAR Inc. is seeking a Controls Engineer to design automation control systems and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and field service. The role emphasizes strong technical background and versatility to adapt to changing priorities.

You will work with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs, define control strategies, and ensure safety, maintainability, and compliance with project requirements. Travel is up to 10%, with opportunities to grow alongside a company that’s thrivin g for 60+

Qualifications

• 2+ years hands-on experience designing, programming, or commissioning industrial control systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation systems and control networks.
• Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens a plus.
• Experience with process control, VFDs, servo motion, safety PLCs, and multi-system integration.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and controls documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell platforms.
• Define control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and field service as SME.
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues across disciplines.
• Review electrical schematics, panel designs, and control documentation for safety and accuracy.
• Support customer startups and commissioning with travel up to 10%.

Skills

Problem solving

Adaptable

Collaborative

Organized

Effective communication

Safety and operational excellence

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Controls / Automation

Tools

Rockwell/AB PLC & HMI platforms

Siemens experience

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 60+ years.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
• Define control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and field service teams; serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert.
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues across electrical, mechanical, and software disciplines.
• Review electrical schematics, panel designs, controls documentation, and code for safety, accuracy, maintainability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Support customer startups and commissioning, with travel generally limited to up to 10%.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Adaptable and dependable.
• Collaborative—able to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams.
• Organized with attention to detail
• Effective communicator—clear and professional verbal and written skills.
• Committed to safety and operational excellence.
• Priority on quality, support, and doing things the right way.

Requirements

• 2+ years of hands‑on experience designing, programming, or commissioning industrial control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Solid understanding of industrial automation systems and control networks.
• Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens experience is a plus.
• Experience with process control, VFDs, servo motion, safety PLCs, instrumentation, and multi-system integration.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and controls documentation.
• Ability to manage several active projects while communicating priorities, risks, and technical decisions clearly.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, or a related discipline—or equivalent experience gained on the job.