Controls Engineer

Trak Group•Harrison, OH

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The Controls Engineer supports the design, programming, troubleshooting, commissioning, and continuous improvement of industrial automation systems at a food manufacturing facility. This hands-on role works with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, variable frequency drives, instrumentation, industrial networks, and automated production equipment. The opportunity is open to recent engineering graduates with relevant technical or project experience as well as experienced Controls Engineers. The engineer provides technical support to Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT/OT teams; diagnoses equipment and process problems; and implements improvements to reliability, efficiency, and production performance. The role also contributes to capital projects and automation modernization, from design and equipment specification through installation, testing, commissioning, and production startup. It maintains plant control standards and documentation and supports safety, food safety, quality, GMP, and continuous improvement requirements. This position is onsite in Harrison, Ohio, on a third-shift schedule, Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. It reports to the Controls Engineering Supervisor.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electro-Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Fundamental understanding of industrial automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, motor controls, and electrical systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, process control drawings, and engineering documentation.
Strong technical troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Understanding of electrical and automated manufacturing systems.
Ability to communicate effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, IT/OT, and other technical teams.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
Willingness to learn new automation technologies and develop hands-on technical skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a manufacturing environment.
Strong commitment to workplace safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Ability to work onsite on the assigned third-shift schedule.
Open to recent engineering graduates and experienced Controls Engineers; relevant coursework, laboratory work, co-ops, internships, senior design projects, robotics, automation projects, or other hands-on engineering experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley PLCs, including ControlLogix and CompactLogix.
Familiarity with FactoryTalk, Ignition, or other industrial HMI/SCADA platforms.
Knowledge of EtherNet/IP and industrial communication networks.
Experience with VFDs, instrumentation, and process control systems.
Familiarity with PLC programming, troubleshooting, and control system commissioning.
Experience using AutoCAD for electrical drawings or controls documentation.
Exposure to industrial automation projects, equipment installations, or manufacturing process improvements.
Familiarity with NEC, NFPA, ISA-88, and ISA-95 standards.
Experience working with system integrators, equipment manufacturers, or automation vendors.
Previous experience in food manufacturing or a highly automated production environment.
Hands-on experience gained through engineering internships, co-ops, robotics, senior design, or automation projects.

Responsibilities

Design, program, commission, troubleshoot, and improve industrial automation and control systems.
Support PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, VFDs, instrumentation, motor controls, and industrial networks.
Develop and modify PLC programs and HMI interfaces to improve equipment functionality and performance.
Troubleshoot electrical controls, automated equipment, manufacturing processes, and industrial communication networks.
Develop electrical and control system designs, including schematics, machine control circuits, motor controls, and safety circuits.
Ensure control system designs comply with applicable NEC and NFPA standards.
Specify and integrate automation hardware, instrumentation, and control technologies.
Maintain accurate electrical drawings, control programs, and technical documentation.
Provide hands-on technical support to Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT/OT teams.
Diagnose complex automation and equipment issues to minimize production downtime; identify root causes of recurring failures and implement corrective actions.
Improve equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, and production performance; evaluate automation systems and recommend improvements to reliability and maintainability.
Support automation and capital equipment projects from initial design through installation and production startup.
Participate in equipment specification, control system design, programming, commissioning, Factory Acceptance Testing, and Site Acceptance Testing.
Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and outside vendors.
Support new automation technologies and modernization of existing manufacturing equipment; help ensure projects meet safety, performance, schedule, and budget expectations.
Evaluate opportunities to improve manufacturing processes through automation and technology.
Develop, maintain, and improve plant automation standards, control programs, and system documentation.
Apply industry best practices, including ISA-88 and ISA-95, and support standardization of control architectures and programming practices.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, efficiency, and process optimization.
Maintain compliance with workplace safety, food safety, quality, and Good Manufacturing Practices.
Partner with technical teams to implement sustainable engineering improvements.