Process Control Engineer Technician

Ahlstrom; De Pere (WI); On-site; USD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ahlstrom is seeking a Process Control Engineer Technician at the Nicolet plant in De Pere, Wisconsin. The role focuses on troubleshooting process and quality control issues, implementing corrective actions, and managing capital and continuous improvement projects.

Responsibilities include configuring PLC/DCS/HMI systems, tuning PID loops, supporting startup activities, and maintaining documentation. Strong teamwork and safety focus are essential.

Qualifications

• Requires US work authorization for full-time employment.
• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Instrumentation, Computer Engineering, or related field; E&I Journeyman status and/or equivalent experience considered.
• Experience in maintenance, manufacturing, process control, automation or related field preferred.
• High safety awareness and focus on injury prevention.
• Strong technical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Quality mindset with emphasis on continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership and team coordination abilities.
• Effective communication across all organizational levels.
• Ability to coordinate operations and maintenance teams for upgrades and troubleshooting.
• Proven project management and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite; CMMS experience a plus.
• ABB and Rockwell Automation platforms experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Configure, program, and maintain PLC, DCS, electrical drives, and HMI systems for reliable plant operations.
• Tune control loops (PID) and develop advanced control strategies to reduce variability and increase production output.
• Assist with capital projects, system upgrades, equipment installations, commissioning, and startup activities with technical control support.
• Diagnose instrumentation, electrical, and automation failures; perform root cause analysis; support corrective actions.
• Ensure control systems comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain control system documentation: logic diagrams, loop sheets, wiring drawings, configuration records, change management.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, IT, vendors, and contractors to drive improvements.
• Participate in on-call coverage rotations.
• Provide technical guidance and training to operators and maintenance personnel.
• Provide coverage for start-ups from down days and outages.
• Maintain quality control, scanner, and web inspection systems.
• Support power distribution and environmental compliance systems.
• Develop and manage training sessions for maintenance craftspeople.
• Follow manufacturing and hygiene processes to meet safety and quality requirements.

Skills

Problem-solving

Safety

Leadership

Communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Electrical Engineering/Automation/Instrumentation/Computer Engineering

E&I Journeyman status (or equivalent) considered

Tools

PLC

DCS

HMI

CMMS

ABB

Rockwell Automation

Job description

You have a choice of where you want to work! We invite you along on our journey to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to attract, retain, and energize passionate people, like you, by investing in your professional development and providing opportunities for personal growth.

Do your values align with ours? Accountability, Growth mindset, One team, Care and a fair and inclusive work environment for everyone, everywhere!

We strive to meet the highest standards of corporate citizenship by protecting the health and safety of our team, safeguarding the environment, and creating a long-lasting, positive impact on the communities where we do business. Are you with us?!?

Ahlstrom is seeking a Process Control Engineer Technician at the Nicolet plant in De Pere, Wisconsin. This position has responsibility for aiding in the day-to-day troubleshooting of process control / quality control issues, execution of corrective actions and management of capital and continuous improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Configure, program, and maintain PLC, DCS, electrical Drives, and HMI systems to support reliable plant operations.
• Tune control loops (including PID loops) and develop advanced control strategies to reduce operational variability, improve efficiency, and increase production output
• Assist with capital projects, system upgrades, equipment installations, commissioning, and startup activities by providing technical expertise and control system support
• Diagnose instrumentation, electrical, and automation failures; perform root cause analysis; and support corrective actions that improve plant reliability and uptime
• Ensure control systems, instrumentation, and automation practices comply with safety standards, environmental requirements, company procedures, and applicable regulatory guidelines
• Maintain accurate control system documentation, including logic diagrams, loop sheets, wiring drawings, configuration records, and change management documentation
• Work closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, IT, vendors, and contractors to resolve issues, implement improvements, and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in the on‑call coverage rotation
• Provide technical guidance and training to operators, maintenance personnel, and team members on control systems, instrumentation, and automation‑related processes
• Provide coverage for start‑ups from down days and outages
• Maintain quality control, scanner, and web inspection systems
• Assist in maintaining power distribution and environmental compliance systems
• Develop and/or manage training sessions for craftsman in maintenance related topics
• Must follow Ahlstrom’s manufacturing and hygiene processes, procedures and policies, as applicable, to the position’s areas of responsibility, in order to meet and maintain the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements for each grade of paper

Requirements

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis
• Bachelor’s or associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Instrumentation, Computer Engineering, or a related field preferred; E&I Journeyman status and/or equivalent related experience will also be considered.
• Experience in maintenance, manufacturing, process control, automation or related field preferred
• High safety awareness and focus on injury prevention
• Strong technical aptitude
• Quality mindset with an emphasis on continuous improvement
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels of the organization
• Ability to coordinate operations and maintenances teams in performing upgrades and troubleshooting issues to support continuous improvement efforts
• Project management and problem‑solving skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software
• Experience with a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)
• ABB and Rockwell Automation platform experience preferred

Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which we are firmly bound. Ahlstrom will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with our company based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non‑disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

About Us.

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials segments, along with the Performance Materials Cluster, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people.

Read more at