Controls Engineer

Tarkett; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Career growth

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Tarkett is a world leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and surface solutions. This Controls Engineer will support production by troubleshooting downtime, developing automation, and implementing process improvements across extrusion and secondary equipment.

Reporting to Engineering management, the role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration with engineering, maintenance, and production, plus mentoring junior staff and leading capital projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in plastics processing, materials, and applications.
• Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering (or similar) preferred.
• Experience with extrusion processes preferred.
• Experience developing, implementing and maintaining automation systems and robotics preferred.
• Proven success with capital and large project leadership and execution.
• Contractor and supplier management experience required.
• Electrical troubleshooting skills.
• PLC knowledge (PLC-5, RxLinx, RsLogix 500, Studio 5000).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; root-cause analysis.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; team-oriented.
• MS Office suite knowledge.
• Lean principles, tools and techniques – project leadership experience.
• Experience with iFix.
• Experience with Omron / Motion Controls.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement continuous improvement strategies to improve process, safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Identify new processes and technology to improve cycle times and reduce defects using PLCs, servo drives, cameras, robotics.
• Execute PLC program modifications to enable process improvements.
• Establish and optimize process parameters; reduce variation using FMEA, DOE, and statistical methods.
• Assist maintenance with debugging machine controllers, motion systems, HMIs, and related components.
• Mentor other engineers and maintenance technicians in automation and controls.
• Provide remote troubleshooting support to maintain production across shifts.
• Ensure schematics and backup programs are current and correct.
• Write specifications for extrusion machinery and secondary equipment; evaluate tooling and equipment needs.
• Develop business cases and Capital Appropriation Requests with ROI calculations.
• Train production on operation, processing techniques, and root-cause analysis.
• Partner with operations to implement AM/PM maintenance measures.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Communication skills

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Automation integration

Team leadership

Education

Associate degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Studio 5000

RsLogix 500

RxLinx

iFix

Excel

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Controls Engineer will report to the Engineering Manager and work in conjunction with the engineering, maintenance, and production departments. For emergency manufacturing and maintenance support, the controls engineer may receive direction from the engineering manager, facility maintenance or plant manager. The primary job responsibility is to support production through effective and timely equipment downtime troubleshooting. Develop and implement equipment control and process improvements through the use of technology and automation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement continuous improvement strategies to improve process, safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Identify new processes and technology to improve cycle times, reduce quality defects, and improve ergonomics through the effective use of PLC’s, servo or variable speed drives, camera technology, robotic technology and any other resource
• Execute PLC program modifications that enable process improvements.
• Establish, optimize, and maintain process parameters and cycle times; reduce process variation by applying engineering / quality principles and tools including FMEA’s, statistical analysis, DOE’s and industry best practices.
• Assist the maintenance staff in operational debug of machine controllers, motion systems, robotics, HMI’s, and all other related components in a timely and efficient manner utilizing Tarkett’s standard techniques and approach.
• Mentor other engineers and maintenance technicians in automation and controls, thus improving the overall department skills and abilities.
• Provide remote troubleshooting support as needed to ensure production is maintained across all night and weekend shifts.
• Ensuring all schematics and/or back up programs of PLC’s, HMI, camera systems, etc, are kept current and correct.
• Write specification and performance requirements for extrusion machinery and secondary equipment. Evaluate alternatives, obtain quotations and make recommendations to management for tooling and equipment needs.
• Develop business cases and write Capital Appropriation Requests including project cost and justification with payback & ROI calculations to support operational needs.
• Train production associates on equipment operation, processing techniques, processing parameters, troubleshooting and root cause analysis techniques and problem resolution.
• Partner with operations and maintenance teams to implement AM / PM measures to ensure equipment is well maintained for safe and reliable operation to meet product specifications.
• Support and promote Kaizen, Statistical Engineering and Lean Manufacturing principles to support Tarkett’s WCM processes. Engage in WCM PM Pillar to help strengthen team
• Negotiate with and oversee suppliers and contractors on equipment installation, redesign, and troubleshooting.
• Lead cross functional work teams as required.
• Expected to be a self-starter, stay focused and on task with little supervision.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 5 years of experience in plastics processing, materials, and applications
• Minimum of Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering (or similar field) is preferred.
• Proven experience with extrusion processes is preferred
• Proven experience with developing, implementing and maintaining automation systems and robotics is preferred
• Proven success with capital and large project leadership and execution
• Contractor and Supplier Management experience required
• Electrical troubleshooting skills
• PLC knowledge (PLC-5, RxLinx, RsLogix 500, Studio 5000)
• Requires excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, to establish root cause and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Demonstration of excellent communication and presentation skills is required, capable of successfully completing initiatives in a team environment
• MS Office suite knowledge is required
• Lean principles, tools, and techniques – experience leading project teams
• Experience with iFix
• Experience with Omron / Motion Controls

What We Offer A commitment that Safety is #1

• Competitive benefits, pay, and retirement plan options!
• Career growth, stability, and flexible work arrangements.

Responsible Manufacturing – Protecting Our Planet for the Future

We utilize renewable energy and a closed loop recycled water process. We are committed to reducing greenhouse emissions and water consumption. We are the only flooring company recognized by the Asthma and Allergy foundation.

Who we are: With a history of more than 140 years, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and sport surface solutions, generating turnover of €3.3 billion in 2025. The Group has close to 12,000 employees, 25 R&D centers, 8 recycling centers and 33 production sites. Tarkett creates and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, stores and sports fields, serving customers in over 100 countries. To build “The Way to Better Floors,” the Group is committed to circular economy and sustainability, in line with its Tarkett Human-Conscious Design approach. www.tarkett-group.com

Tarkett is an equal opportunity employer.

We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences and promote an inclusive workplace where all employees can perform at their best.

At Tarkett, we cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship with respect and trust. We make conscious choices, for people and for the planet and we commit to be next to your every step of the way.

At Tarkett we help create great spaces. We believe in taking care of our people, our customers and our planet. We believe in being agile and performance-driven in everything that we do in order to find the best flooring and sports surface solutions.

https://www.tarkett.com/