Electrical Controls Engineer — Plant Automation & Safety

Kaiser Aluminum; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Aluminum in Chandler, Arizona seeks a Controls Engineer to maintain and optimize plant equipment with strong focus on electrical systems, automation and PLC-based controls. This onsite role provides technical leadership for troubleshooting, upgrades, and safety compliance.

You will lead capital projects, manage budgets, coordinate with maintenance, production and engineering teams, and help drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Associates degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Recent graduate to three plus (0 to 3+) years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or production facility.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley preferred).
• Strong background in electrical systems (480V, controls, sensors, instrumentation).
• Ability to read electrical schematics and automation documentation.
• Analyze and design capital improvement projects through coordination with multiple departments and plant needs.
• Ensure all electrical and control system work complies with NFPA 70E, NEC, OSHA, and company standards.
• Lead or support safety system upgrades including interlocks, e-stops, machine guarding controls, and functional safety assessments.
• Participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and hazard mitigations.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex electrical and control-system issues across production equipment.
• Maintain and program PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMIs, VFDs, servos, and industrial automation components.
• Ensure proper operation of electrical distribution systems, control panels, instrumentation, and sensors.
• Lead equipment upgrades, control system migrations, line improvements, and automation enhancements.
• Design, specify, and implement electrical/automation solutions to improve safety, quality, and throughput.
• Collaborate with maintenance, production, and engineering teams on capital projects and process optimization.
• Maintain documentation including electrical schematics, network diagrams, and PLC/HMI logic backups.
• Knowledge of federal, state, & tribal, regulations, laws & other government and corporate compliance programs.
• Must have 5+ years of experience in at least one area of mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic expertise.
• Have strong mechanical & electrical ability including understanding of machine operations & capabilities.
• Able to maintain and troubleshoot PLC controlled equipment.
• Understanding of AC drives and servo motors.
• Knowledge of natural gas combustion systems for ovens and furnaces.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic equipment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills & works as a team player effectively.
• Competence in problem solving, team building, planning and decision making
• Have an understanding of construction methods & materials.
• Strong effective communication skills, both verbal & written. Be able to work with personnel at all levels of the organization including external personnel (agencies & contractors).
• Able to work a flexible schedule.
• Provide technical assistance to production and maintenance as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe, efficient plant equipment and processes with emphasis on electrical systems and PLC controls.
• Ensure compliance with maintenance, facilities, and regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, etc.).
• Own and manage capital budget; track spending against budget.
• Coordinate with internal and external personnel through various communication channels.
• Solicit bids from contractors and review proposals for specifications and compliance.
• Monitor construction to ensure specifications are met.
• Maintain relationships with utility providers and ensure power/maintenance readiness.
• Submit construction plans and permit applications as required.
• Determine technical specs for new equipment and solicit supplier proposals.
• Facilitate plant improvements and automation enhancements.
• Adhere to Sox Controls and environmental, quality, safety documents.
• Lead multi-functional projects with scheduling and budgeting responsibilities.
• Leverage plant resources to deliver project results.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Project management

Safety regulations

HMI/SCADA

Teamwork

Documentation

Education

Bachelors in EE

Associates in related field

Equivalent experience

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

HMIs

VFDs

Job description

Kaiser Aluminum in Chandler, Arizona seeks a Controls Engineer to maintain and optimize plant equipment with strong focus on electrical systems, automation and PLC-based controls. This onsite role provides technical leadership for troubleshooting, upgrades, and safety compliance.

You will lead capital projects, manage budgets, coordinate with maintenance, production and engineering teams, and help drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.