Entry Level Controls Engineer

Laitram LLC; Harahan (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Laitram Machinery is seeking an Entry Level Controls Engineer to design, develop, implement, and support industrial control systems for food processing machinery. This engineer will work with a peer and support across the full machine lifecycle from design through commissioning and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate has a BS in Engineering or related field and experience with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and system integration. Position located in Harahan, LA with travel as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, drawings and manuals.
• Proficient with PLCs, HMIs, industrial computers, networks and VFDs.
• Strong verbal and written communication with teams and customers.
• Self-motivated with a continuous learning mindset.
• Excellent organization with multiple priorities in a fast pace.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint).
• Willingness to travel 5–10% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and support industrial control systems.
• Write, document, and debug control software for field devices.
• Develop systems based on Schneider Electric PLC, HMI, and VFD platforms.
• Support lifecycle from design to commissioning and improvements.
• Create technical documentation and training materials.
• Provide remote and onsite troubleshooting of control systems.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Suppliers, and Project Managers.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

VFDs

Schematic reading

Networking concepts

Documentation

Communication

Office suite

Travel ready

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Schneider Electric PLCs

Schneider Electric HMIs

Schneider Electric VFDs

SolidWorks/Creo

SQL/data integration

Python/PowerShell scripting

Job description

Laitram Machinery is seeking an Entry Level Controls Engineer to design, develop, implement, and support industrial control systems for food processing machinery. This Engineer-level position works collaboratively with a peer engineer within the same product line and supports systems across the full machine lifecycle, from initial design through commissioning and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is technically strong, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in fast-paced manufacturing and customer environments. For over 70 years, Laitram Machinery has pioneered the manufacturing of high-performance shrimp-peeling equipment, and more recently, steam cookers, blanchers, nut pasteurizers, roasters, and sorters. All of our products are designed to increase efficiency, improve product quality and yield for processors worldwide. Laitram Machinery is one of four operating divisions of Laitram, L.L.C. and offers an unparalleled opportunity for those who want to work for an established, yet growing company in the private sector.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Purchasing, Suppliers, and Project Managers to deliver high quality Laitram Machinery solutions.
• Independently write, implement, document, and debug control system software, including integration of field devices such as VFDs, photo-eyes, shaft encoders, solenoids, scales, and related equipment.
• Develop and support machine control systems primarily based on Schneider Electric PLC, HMI, and VFD platforms.
• Support control systems throughout the full machine lifecycle, including design, build, factory testing, installation, commissioning, and system improvements.
• Create clear technical documentation and training materials for internal users (engineers and technicians), customers, and suppliers.
• Provide remote and onsite (in plant) troubleshooting control systems to support regional service engineers.
• Provide installation and commissioning support, both remotely and onsite, as required.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to continuously improve control system performance, reliability, and standardization.
• Comply with all company, customer, and regulatory safety requirements while working in manufacturing and customer environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Systems, Computer Science/Programming, or related field
• Working knowledge of industrial computers, networking, and system integration concepts
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics, manufacturer drawings, and technical manuals
• Proficiency in configuring and supporting PLCs, HMIs, industrial computers, networks, and variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineering teams, customers, and suppliers
• Self-motivated and self managed, with a continuous learning mindset
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Power Point
• Ability to travel approximately 5-10%, based on project and business needs, including domestic and occasional international travel to customer sites and manufacturing facilities.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Schneider Electric PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, Servos, and associated programming software
• Experience with Schneider Electric control platforms strongly preferred; familiarity with other major PLC platforms is a plus.
• Familiarity with UL requirements and compliance
• Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Experience using SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER (Creo), or equivalent 3D CAD software
• Experience with scripting (e.g., Python, PowerShell) or automation tools
• Experience with SQL, data collection, or integration between control systems and databases