Industrial Controls Engineer – Food Processing Machinery

Laitram LLC; Harahan (LA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Laitram Machinery is seeking a 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 the full machine lifecycle from design through commissioning and ongoing improvements.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in industrial controls, strong skills with PLC/HMI/VFD platforms (Schneider Electric focus), and can read electrical schematics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Systems, Computer Science/Programming, or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in industrial controls or automation.
• 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 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.
• Willingness to travel 5-10%, including domestic and occasional international travel.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate 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 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.

Skills

Industrial controls

PLC/HMI/VFD configuration

Electrical schematics reading

Cross-functional communication

Willingness to travel

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Systems, Computer Science/Programming, or related field

Tools

Schneider Electric PLC

HMI platforms

VFDs

Industrial networks

Job description

Laitram Machinery is seeking a 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 the full machine lifecycle from design through commissioning and ongoing improvements.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in industrial controls, strong skills with PLC/HMI/VFD platforms (Schneider Electric focus), and can read electrical schematics.