Automation - Controls Engineer

POSITION: CONTROLS ENGINEER SHIFT: 3RD SHIFT REPORTS TO: SUPERVISOR - CONTROLS ENGINEERING PERKS & BENEFITS – CONTROLS ENGINEER

• Top Work Place Winner
• Weekly Pay
• Free Meal Buffet, Discount on JTM Products
• Free Uniforms, Shoe Allowance
• Free Gym Membership, Free Health Screenings
• Full Medical Benefits
• 401K/Profit Sharing
• Generous PTO
• Bonus Potential (Referral Bonus, Service Bonus, etc.)

SCOPE – CONTROLS ENGINEER The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of industrial automation and control systems within a highly automated food manufacturing environment. This role provides hands-on engineering support for PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, variable frequency drives, instrumentation, motion control, and other automated manufacturing systems. The Controls Engineer will work directly with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Safety, and equipment vendors to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, increase production capability, and resolve complex automation issues. In addition to supporting existing systems, the Controls Engineer will play an active role in capital projects and the continued modernization of the facility. This includes evaluating and implementing new automation technologies, developing control strategies, programming and commissioning equipment, improving existing processes, and helping establish automation standards and best practices. This position is well suited for an engineer who enjoys both hands-on troubleshooting and project-based engineering and wants the opportunity to directly influence how automation is designed, implemented, and supported across a growing manufacturing operation. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – CONTROLS ENGINEER

• Design, program, commission, troubleshoot, and improve industrial automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, VFDs, instrumentation, and industrial networks.
• Develop electrical and control system designs, including schematics, motor controls, machine control circuitry, and safety circuits in accordance with applicable NEC and NFPA standards.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT/OT to troubleshoot complex equipment and process issues, improve reliability, reduce downtime, and optimize manufacturing performance.
• Specify and integrate instrumentation, controls hardware, and automation technologies for new and existing manufacturing systems.
• Support capital projects from design and equipment specification through programming, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and production startup.
• Coordinate with system integrators, OEMs, and vendors to deliver integrated automation solutions that meet performance, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve plant automation standards, programs, documentation, and system architecture.
• Apply industry standards and best practices, including ISA-88 and ISA-95, to manufacturing automation systems.
• Lead or support cross-functional troubleshooting and continuous-improvement efforts involving Controls, Electrical, IT/OT, Maintenance, Operations, and external partners.
• Perform other engineering responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

SUCCESS CRITERIA – CONTROLS ENGINEER

• Maintains a strong commitment to employee safety, food safety, GMPs, quality standards, and JTM policies in all automation and engineering activities.
• Improves equipment reliability and manufacturing performance through effective troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Delivers assigned automation and capital projects safely, accurately, and within established scope, schedule, and budget expectations.
• Develops reliable, maintainable, and well-documented control systems that follow established plant standards and engineering best practices.
• Provides responsive and effective technical support to Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and other internal customers.
• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement while modeling JTM’s Guiding Principles.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS – CONTROLS ENGINEER

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electro-Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or another related engineering discipline.
• Open to both experienced Controls Engineers and recent engineering graduates with relevant coursework, co-op, internship, laboratory, or project experience.
• Fundamental understanding of industrial automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, motor controls, and electrical systems.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs is preferred. Relevant academic, co-op, internship, or project experience will be considered.
• Experience with industrial HMI/SCADA platforms such as FactoryTalk and Ignition is preferred.
• Familiarity with industrial networking, Ethernet/IP, VFDs, instrumentation, and process control systems is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, process control drawings, and other engineering documentation. AutoCAD experience is a plus.
• Strong technical troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and effectively communicate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, IT/OT, and other technical personnel.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn new technologies and develop hands-on technical skills in a manufacturing environment.
• Co-op, internship, senior design, robotics, automation, manufacturing, or other relevant hands-on engineering experience is highly valued for entry-level candidates.
• Must be able to work onsite and support the assigned third-shift schedule.
• This position is an onsite position.

*All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disabled/Vets. We participate in EVerify.

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