Controls Engineer - PLC & HMI Automation Expert

Alkar; Wisconsin; Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkar is seeking a Controls Engineer to design and program automation systems across engineering, manufacturing, and field service. You will define control strategies, create documentation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, safe control solutions.

Applicants should have hands-on PLC/HMI experience, familiarity with Rockwell/Allen Bradley platforms, and a willingness to travel up to 10% for startup and commissioning activities.

Qualifications

• 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.

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%.

Job description

Description

Position SummaryAs 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.