Senior Controls Engineer

ALKAR Inc.; Town of Lodi (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ALKAR Inc. in Wisconsin is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design advanced automation control systems across engineering, manufacturing, and field service. The role emphasizes a strong technical background, versatility, and a drive to grow with a company that's innovating after 60+ years.

You will lead control scope for complex equipment, program PLC/HMI using Rockwell platforms, define strategies and deliverables, mentor engineers, and support startups with occasional travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing and programming industrial control systems for automated machinery, OEM equipment, or systems-integration projects.
• Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens experience is a plus.
• Experience with process control, VFDs, servo motion, safety PLCs, instrumentation, and multi-system integration.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and technical controls documentation.
• Ability to manage several active projects while communicating priorities, risks, and technical decisions clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the controls scope for complex equipment projects from initial requirements and system architecture through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
• Define control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for difficult troubleshooting, root-cause investigation, and resolution of controls issues in the factory, remotely, and at customer sites.
• Review electrical schematics, panel designs, controls documentation, and code for safety, accuracy, maintainability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Improve programming standards, reusable code, system architecture, version control, documentation, and commissioning practices across the Controls team.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to controls engineers, electrical designers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and field-service personnel.
• Support customer startups and commissioning, with travel generally limited to up to 10%.

Skills

Rockwell/AB PLC & HMI

Siemens

Process control

VFDs

Servo motion

Electrical schematics

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in engineering

Tools

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View

ControlLogix/CompactLogix

Job description

Position Summary

As a Senior Controls Engineer at Alkar, you’ll design the latest automation control systems while collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service. We’re looking for someone who has a strong technical background and versatility who can shift gears when priorities change, help others, and grow alongside a company that’s still innovating after 60+ years.

Description

As a Senior Controls Engineer at Alkar, you’ll design the latest automation control systems while collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service. We’re looking for someone who has a strong technical background and versatility who can shift gears when priorities change, help others, and grow alongside a company that’s still innovating after 60+ years.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the controls scope for complex equipment projects from initial requirements and system architecture through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
• Define control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for difficult troubleshooting, root-cause investigation, and resolution of controls issues in the factory, remotely, and at customer sites.
• Review electrical schematics, panel designs, controls documentation, and code for safety, accuracy, maintainability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Improve programming standards, reusable code, system architecture, version control, documentation, and commissioning practices across the Controls team.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to controls engineers, electrical designers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and field-service personnel.
• Support customer startups and commissioning, with travel generally limited to up to 10%.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Strong solving problems and hands-on troubleshooting.
• Adaptable and dependable.
• Collaborative - able to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams.
• Organized with attention to detail
• Effective communicator - clear and professional verbal and written skills.
• Committed to safety and operational excellence.
• Priority on quality, support, and doing things the right way.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience designing and programming industrial control systems for automated machinery, OEM equipment, or systems-integration projects. Exceptional demonstrated capability may substitute for years of experience.
• Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens experience is a plus.
• Experience with process control, VFDs, servo motion, safety PLCs, instrumentation, and multi-system integration.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and technical controls documentation.
• Ability to manage several active projects while communicating priorities, risks, and technical decisions clearly.
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent technical training and experience.