Electrical Controls Engineer - Sturgis, MI Plant

Abbott • Sturgis, MI

4d • $61,300 - $122,700 • Onsite

About The Position

The Electrical Controls Engineer supports manufacturing operations at Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan plant by troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving plant electrical and automation systems. The role focuses on equipment reliability, electrical troubleshooting, controls support, and continuous improvement to improve safety, quality, and production performance. The engineer works with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams to reduce downtime, optimize equipment, and lead electrical and controls projects throughout the facility.

The position designs, implements, and maintains electrical and automation systems; supports equipment installation, startup, and commissioning; and provides technical support for product introductions and process optimization. It includes troubleshooting plant electrical systems and PLC-based controls, managing capital projects, maintaining engineering and validation documentation, and pursuing cost-reduction and productivity improvements. The engineer also provides training and technical guidance, coordinates project teams and external resources, and ensures compliance with FDA, OSHA, GMP, engineering, EHS, and Abbott requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Computer, Chemical, or related field), or equivalent work experience.
• At least 2 years of engineering, automation, or project management experience, or equivalent advanced education.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical and automation systems in a manufacturing environment, including PLC-controlled equipment, motor controls, instrumentation, VFDs, and electrical distribution systems.
• Experience troubleshooting and solving moderately complex technical problems.
• Experience with PLC programming, including Allen Bradley and Modicon/Schneider Electric.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the National Electric Code (NEC) and NFPA 70E.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work within defined procedures.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience guiding technicians or support personnel.
• Ability to work effectively in a regulated environment with attention to compliance and quality.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in food, pharmaceutical, or other FDA-regulated industries.
• SCADA development experience with GE IFIX.
• HMI programming experience with FactoryTalk, Ignition, or GE IFIX.
• Data historian experience with OSIsoft.
• Familiarity with validation processes, change control, and GMP environments.
• Experience with capital project management and engineering documentation, including RCEs, VCRs, and scope documents.
• Experience implementing new manufacturing technologies or process improvements.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain electrical systems, control systems, and automation solutions for plant operations.
• Support installation, startup, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment and electrical upgrades.
• Provide technical support for manufacturing, including new product introductions, equipment startups, and process optimization.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues and develop solutions to improve performance and reliability.
• Troubleshoot and support plant electrical systems, including motor control centers, variable frequency drives, sensors, instrumentation, safety circuits, and control panels.
• Program and support PLCs, SCADA systems, HMI platforms, and data historians.
• Maintain and improve PLC-based control systems to support equipment reliability and manufacturing performance.
• Lead and manage capital projects, including scope definition, scheduling, and coordination with internal teams and external vendors.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including specifications, drawings, validation records, and change control documentation.
• Drive cost-reduction and productivity-improvement initiatives through process enhancements and new technologies.
• Monitor plant performance, identify improvement opportunities, and respond to production issues in real time.
• Provide training and technical guidance to operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, GMP standards, engineering standards, and EHS policies.
• Collaborate with production, quality, R&D, and engineering teams.
• Lead or support project teams and coordinate technicians, contractors, and external resources.
• Meet compliance standards including FDA, OSHA, and Abbott policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision programs; medical benefits start on day one.
• Wellness and occupational health programs.
• 120 hours of accrued vacation in the first year, prorated, plus a vacation buy program, three personal days, and 10 paid holidays.
• Retiree Healthcare program.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement, Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit.
• Competitive compensation and incentives.
• Participants who complete a short wellness assessment qualify for free coverage in the HIP PPO medical plan for the next calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level