Controls Engineer

Pridgeon & Clay Inc•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Controls Engineer works with Maintenance, Engineering, and production personnel to conceive, design, program, troubleshoot, and validate machine processes for Pridgeon & Clay’s self-manufactured and purchased equipment in accordance with company quality policies. The role supports new machine builds and existing equipment, ensuring designs and programs meet company specifications and are documented, maintainable, and traceable. The Controls Engineer coordinates machine debugging, power-up, and validation; performs and documents electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic design and programming; reviews OEM drawings for compliance; and integrates and troubleshoots controllers, motion systems, robotics, HMIs, and related components. The role also maintains hardware and software currency, coordinates parts procurement, updates machine documentation, uses a computerized maintenance management system, and trains and mentors Maintenance personnel and peers. The position supports lean initiatives, continuous improvement, problem solving, waste reduction, and prevention of equipment and process issues. The position requires a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related field, relevant equipment repair and electrical maintenance experience, and PLC programming and troubleshooting experience. Candidates should be able to interpret electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic technical documents; use specified Rockwell/Allen-Bradley systems and software; organize and drive projects; and work effectively in a team-based environment. The company offers competitive total compensation, benefits, a safe and team-oriented workplace, opportunities to contribute to organizational improvement, work/life balance, and career growth.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
Experience repairing machines such as metal stamping equipment, spot/resistance welding equipment, robotic welders, or grinding and finishing equipment.
Experience with electrical troubleshooting and performing electrical maintenance on equipment.
Ability to read, follow, and understand electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic drawings, blueprints, schematics, code requirements, service manuals, and manufacturers’ specifications.
Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
Ability to establish and maintain efficient project organization, provide technical direction to a project team, and drive projects to completion.
Knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLCs and Rockwell programming software, including RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5, RSLogix 5000, and Panelbuild32.
Knowledge of servo systems, variable speed drive controllers, and AC and DC motors.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.
Ability and willingness to work in a team-based setting.
Excellent work record, including attendance.

Responsibilities

Coordinate machine debugging, power-up, and validation with appropriate build and electrical teams.
Perform and document electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic design and machine programming for new machine builds.
Ensure equipment is designed and programmed to company build specifications using standard techniques and approaches.
Develop plans to keep hardware and software up to date, understand obsolescence, and address it.
Produce drawings using AutoCAD R14, AutoCAD 2000, and/or AutoCAD LT2000 in accordance with company drawing standards and symbol libraries, unless otherwise specified.
Use the computerized Maintenance Management System to order parts, create work orders, and track project costs.
Provide training and mentorship to Maintenance personnel.
Ensure the maintenance computer and controls software work correctly and maintain installations, CDs, and licensing.
Develop machine bills of materials and coordinate procurement with the purchasing department.
Document projects so plant teams can communicate and trace details and maintain project awareness.
Coordinate with Technicians to update drawings, manuals, sequences of operation, PLC and HMI programs, and other documentation for existing machines.
Attend technical training as deemed necessary by the Manager and pass relevant knowledge to peers, interns, and/or electrical apprentices.
Retain work on the company network in predetermined file locations.
Report daily activity progress to the Manager.
Review OEM-submitted electrical, hydraulic, and controls drawings for compliance with company equipment standards.
Integrate, develop, and troubleshoot programs for machine controllers, servo systems, motion controllers, robotics, HMIs, and related components.
Suggest and implement ideas to improve personal and departmental efficiency.
Participate in and support lean initiatives, continuous improvement, and problem-solving events.
Identify and attempt to eliminate waste, anticipate problems, and work to prevent them.
Communicate effectively and provide accurate, timely information to coworkers and management.
Maintain appropriate attendance and work the hours necessary to perform the job.
Organize and maintain an efficient personal work area.
Adhere to and support company policies and procedures, including ISO, AIAG, IATF 16949, and safety regulations.
Accept instructions and duties positively, treat coworkers with dignity and respect, and support company values through daily actions.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation and a comprehensive benefit plan.
Premium medical and prescription coverage starting at $5.00 per week for employee coverage.
Dental coverage.
Vision coverage.
401(k) with company match.
Tuition reimbursement.
Safe, team-oriented work environment with a leadership team that values employee input.
Opportunity to participate in organizational continuous improvement and problem-solving events.
Positive work/life balance.
Opportunity for career growth; the posting states that over 70% of leaders have been promoted from within.