Controls Engineer

JTM Food Group•Harrison, NY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electro-Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or another 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 other engineering documentation.
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.
Must be able to work onsite and support the assigned third-shift schedule.

Nice To Haves

Open to both experienced Controls Engineers and recent engineering graduates with relevant coursework, co-op, internship, laboratory, or project experience.
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.
AutoCAD experience is a plus.
Co-op, internship, senior design, robotics, automation, manufacturing, or other relevant hands-on engineering experience is highly valued for entry-level candidates.

Responsibilities

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.