Process Control Engineer Technician: PLC/DCS & PID Tuning

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

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.