Controls Engineer: PLC Automation & Modernization Lead

PPG Industries, Inc; Oakwood (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401K

Family Leave

Life Insurance

Job summary

PPG Industries, Inc. is seeking a Controls Engineer to design and program PLC-based control systems for manufacturing and process automation at the Oak Creek, WI site.

You will develop control architectures, troubleshoot PLCs, and integrate HMI, drives, sensors, and networks to optimize uptime and performance. You will lead modernization efforts, support commissioning, and collaborate with production teams, vendors, and contractors to improve safety, efficiency, and plant performance.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of PLC hardware and software platforms, industrial networking, communication protocols, and automation system integration.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Rockwell Automation platforms, including Studio and ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers.
• 3+ years of experience with GE iFix and Ethernet/IP communications.
• Proficiency with Rockwell Stratix Switches, FactoryTalk View Studio, ThinManager, Access, SQL, VBA, PowerFlex drives, and AutoCAD.
• Working knowledge of FactoryTalk Optix, PlantPAx, Remote I/O, DH+ and Modbus protocols.
• Experience designing control system architectures and supporting manufacturing automation systems.
• Knowledge of electrical principles, industrial control systems, and automation technologies.
• Working knowledge of NEC NFPA electrical safety standards.
• Experience leading automation projects, coordinating resources, managing schedules, and supporting project budgets.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Experience supporting industrial automation, PLC programming, controls engineering, and manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Design control system architectures and select appropriate hardware and software for manufacturing and process automation.
• Program, test, troubleshoot, and increase PLC systems to support reliable operation and production performance.
• Integrate PLC systems with HMI, VFDs, sensors, actuators, and other automation components.
• Configure and support networks and protocols, including Ethernet/IP and plant-level communications.
• Resolve complex automation and production equipment issues to minimize downtime.
• Support commissioning, startup, validation, and troubleshooting activities.
• Maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, and BOMs for control systems.
• Implement automation improvements that enhance productivity, efficiency, reliability, and safety.
• Lead modernization efforts for obsolete or legacy control systems and upgrades.
• Manage controls and automation projects from concept through startup.
• Coordinate activities with production teams, contractors, vendors, and engineering personnel.
• Create and support Management of Change documentation and processes.
• Ensure automation systems comply with electrical, safety, and industry standards.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers.

Skills

PLC platforms

Industrial networking

Automation integration

Project leadership

System architecture

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Controls/Automation/CE

Tools

Rockwell Studio

ControlLogix/CompactLogix

GE iFix

Ethernet/IP

FactoryTalk View Studio

ThinManager

SQL

VBA

PowerFlex drives

AutoCAD

FactoryTalk Optix

PlantPAx

Remote I/O

Modbus

Stratix Switches

Job description

PPG Industries, Inc. is seeking a Controls Engineer to design and program PLC-based control systems for manufacturing and process automation at the Oak Creek, WI site.

You will develop control architectures, troubleshoot PLCs, and integrate HMI, drives, sensors, and networks to optimize uptime and performance. You will lead modernization efforts, support commissioning, and collaborate with production teams, vendors, and contractors to improve safety, efficiency, and plant performance.