Controls Engineer

Empwr•McMinnville, OR

About The Position

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, programming, and supporting automation and control systems within a food manufacturing environment. This role ensures production lines operate safely, efficiently, and reliably by integrating electrical, mechanical, and software systems. The Controls Engineer plays a critical role in supporting automated production lines, improving uptime and OEE, and leading the commissioning and startup of new equipment and production lines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
3–7+ years of experience in controls engineering, preferably in a manufacturing environment
Strong experience with PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens)
Experience with HMI/SCADA systems
Knowledge of industrial automation components including sensors, drives, and motors
Experience supporting equipment startup and commissioning
Required to stand; use hands or fingers to handle or feel or reach.
May be required to walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch, talk or hear.
Occasionally required to sit, climb.
Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
Occasionally lift and/or May require lifting, pulling or pushing of up to 50 lbs.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

Automation & Controls Development Design and program PLCs to support automated production systems
Configure and maintain HMI and SCADA systems to provide operators with real-time system visibility
Develop and maintain control panels and electrical schematics
Integrate sensors, motors, drives, and robotic systems into production environments
Troubleshooting & Support Diagnose and resolve automation and electrical control issues to minimize downtime
Provide technical support to production and maintenance teams
Identify root causes of system failures and implement corrective actions
Commissioning & Continuous Improvement Support commissioning and startup of new equipment and production lines
Partner with cross-functional teams to optimize system performance
Drive improvements in system reliability, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
Operational Excellence Support highly automated production lines and PLC-controlled equipment
Ensure HMI systems are user-friendly and effective for operators
Optimize performance of sensors, drives, and motors across production systems
Contribute to initiatives that enhance production efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve throughput
Other Responsibilities Enforce adherence to GMPs and Food Safety protocols at all times.
Rapidly escalate and resolve any Food Safety or Quality concerns.
Perform other duties as assigned.