Entry Level Controls Engineer

Laitram Machinery; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

4 weeks PTO

12 paid holidays

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Gym and wellness center

Stem cell treatment

IVF support

Job summary

Laitram Machinery in New Orleans is seeking an Entry Level Controls Engineer to design, develop, implement, and support industrial control systems for food processing machinery. This role collaborates with a peer engineer across the product line and supports systems from design through commissioning and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is detail oriented, technically strong, and comfortable in fast-paced manufacturing and customer environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering or related field required.
• Experience reading electrical schematics and manufacturer drawings.
• Proficiency with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs and industrial networks.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and support control systems through full lifecycle.
• Collaborate with purchasing, suppliers, and project managers to deliver solutions.
• Create technical documentation and training materials for users.
• Provide remote and on-site troubleshooting and commissioning support.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI systems

VFDs knowledge

Schematic reading

Networking concepts

Documentation skills

Travel willingness

Education

BS in Engineering / related field

Tools

Schneider Electric PLCs

Creo

SolidWorks

Python scripting

PowerShell

SQL

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. To learn more about our company culture, philosophy, and benefits, please visit our company page.

Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• 4 weeks PTO
• 12 paid holidays
• on campus gym/pharmacy/wellness center
• 401(k)
• tuition reimbursement
• stem cell treatment
• IVF and many more.

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

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled