Manufacturing Controls & Integration Engineer

Uckele Health & Nutrition; Adrian (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Uckele Health & Nutrition, Inc. in Blissfield, Michigan, is seeking a Manufacturing Controls & Integration Engineer to drive PLC/HMI/VFD controls integration and equipment coordination.

You will work with Production, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Product Development to improve throughput, safety, and quality using Lean/CI methods. You will design and validate controls, specify equipment, read prints, and lead problem-solving and Kaizen events while training operators and sustaining

Qualifications

• AS/BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years in controls/integration and manufacturing/industrial engineering.
• PLC ladder logic, HMI development, VFDs; CAD proficiency (AutoCAD required; 3D CAD a plus).
• Hands-on fabrication ability: welding and metal/plastic fabrication to build tooling and fixtures.
• CI/RCA: Lean, 5S, A3/8D, PDCA; Six Sigma Yellow Belt a plus.
• Soft skills: strong communication, training, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs; integrate sensors and actuators.
• Lead controls changes for launches/upgrades; validate cycle times and interlocks.
• Specify and layout equipment; coordinate with fabrication vendors or in-house shop.
• Read and create mechanical/electrical prints; oversee FAT/SAT; handoff to production.
• Fabricate tooling and fixtures in-house to expedite work as needed.
• Produce electrical schematics and plant layouts with AutoCAD/ SolidWorks.
• Lead 5-Why, A3/8D, PDCA problem solving; analyze downtime to improve OEE.
• Conduct Gemba walks and Kaizen events to boost capacity and safety.
• Collaborate with Quality/EHS, Operations, Product Development, Maintenance.
• Train operators/technicians on equipment and best practices.
• Scope, plan, and execute multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

PLC ladder logic

HMI development

VFDs

CAD (AutoCAD)

SolidWorks

Data analysis

Lean/CI methods

Leadership

Education

AS/BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Founded in 1962, Uckele Health & Nutrition, Inc. is an industry-leading global contract manufacturing company that specializes in the production of a wide variety of nutritional supplements and health products. Our headquarters is based in Blissfield, Michigan, and we operate under a strict regulatory framework to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.

We are well-recognized for our top-quality formulations in capsules, powders, soft chews, pellets, pastes, liquids, and topical products. From nutritional supplements for humans to performance products for equine and pet nutrition, Uckele is committed to scientific innovation, superior ingredients, and advanced manufacturing processes.

At Uckele, making people and their animals healthier is our core passion. We value the health and wellness of our consumers and employees, which is reflected in our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. We have established a robust reputation for reliability and integrity, and we are passionate about continuously expanding our knowledge and capabilities to exceed our customers' expectations.

We are dedicated to creating a workplace that fosters innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning. Here at Uckele, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. We offer a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, along with opportunities for career growth and professional development.

We are constantly looking for dedicated professionals with a passion for health, wellness, and innovation to join our dynamic team. If you share our commitment to excellence and are ready to make a difference in the health and wellness industry, we would love to hear from you.

Scope: Drive equipment integration and process optimization across the plants by combining PLC/HMI controls, CAD-driven design, machine build/fabrication coordination, and structured root-cause analysis. Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Product Development to increase throughput, cut waste, and improve safety and quality using Lean/CI methods and robust documentation (SOPs, PFMEAs, work instructions).

Position Title:Manufacturing Controls & Integration EngineerFLSA Status:Exempt

Reports To:Continuous Improvement Manager

Controls / Automation

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs (primarily ladder logic), HMIs, VFDs, and supporting I/O; integrate sensors, vision, pneumatics, and hydraulics into reliable machine controls.
• Lead controls changes for equipment launches and upgrades; validate cycle times and interlocks; document logic changes.

Machine Integration & Fabrication

• Specify, select, and layout equipment; coordinate build/integration with internal fabrication or vendors (mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic).
• Read/create mechanical and electrical prints; oversee assembly, tryout, FAT/SAT, and handoff to production.
• Fabricate tooling, fixtures, jigs, and machine components in-house—using welding, metal/plastic fabrication, and general shop equipment—to expedite work when needed.

CAD & Documentation

• Use AutoCAD (and/or SolidWorks) to produce/update electrical schematics, panel layouts, machine prints, and plant layouts.
• Create, publish, and maintain SOPs, work instructions, PFMEAs, process flows, and manufacturing plans.
• Lead A3/8D problem solving, 5-Why, and PDCA; analyze downtime and scrap to eliminate chronic losses and improve OEE.
• Conduct Gemba walks; facilitate Kaizen events to increase capacity, reduce cost, and improve safety/quality.
• Cross-Functional Partnership
• Collaborate with Quality/EHS on risk and compliance; with Operations on rates/simulations; with Product Development on DFM and launch readiness; with Maintenance on reliability/PM.
• Train operators/technicians on equipment and best practices.

Project Execution

• Scope, plan, and execute multiple projects in a fast-paced environment; report progress, timelines, and results.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• AS/BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years in controls/integration and manufacturing/industrial engineering.
• Technical: PLC ladder logic (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMI development, VFDs; electrical/mechanical aptitude; pneumatics/hydraulics; CAD proficiency (AutoCAD required; 3D CAD a plus); data analysis.
• Hands-on fabrication ability: welding and metal/plastic fabrication to build tooling, fixtures, and components in-house; safe shop practices.
• CI/RCA: Familiar with Lean, 5S, A3/8D, PDCA; Six Sigma Yellow Belt a plus.
• Soft Skills: Strong communication, training, and teamwork; ability to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience evaluating and troubleshooting manufacturing processes and machinery.
• Knowledge of equipment for purchase, installation, and repair
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to contribute solutions on multiple ongoing projects.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects at the same time with limited supervision, excellent planning, time management and decision-making skills.
• Strong motivation, level disposition, work ethic, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Excellent work history, attendance, initiative and drive to succeed.
• Maintain excellent communication and relationships with others; be a team player; maintain a positive attitude.
• Perform in a manner consistent with Uckele Company Vision/Mission Statement and Core Values.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.