Electrical Controls Engineer

About the position

The Electrical Controls Engineer will provide controls engineering to support and lead new product development and custom application projects, as well as develop electrical control solutions using current automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, motion control, and industrial networking, to meet market and/or customer requirements. The position will assist and lead troubleshooting efforts, performing diagnostics and service-related tasks to support OEM packaging machinery in the field, including PLC programming, HMI development, system integration, and electrical schematics review.

Responsibilities

• Create electrical designs and develop new programs for new machines and machine upgrades following industry standards.
• Update and optimize existing electrical control software and systems for vertical packaging, flow wrapping, bag filling, palletizing machinery, and product feed systems.
• Integrate BWFS packaging equipment with other OEM equipment to create complete end-of-line packaging solutions.
• Develop and manage systems for machine data collection, storage, visualization, and communication with other systems, utilizing both local and remote data transmission methods.
• Prepare schematics, assemblies, detailed drawings, and bills of material for complex projects using available off-the-shelf control hardware and software components for machine functionality, safety, and motion.
• Ensure comprehensive program documentation for diagnostics, information systems, data collection, and communication with peripheral equipment.
• Assist in developing system operation manuals and diagnostic aids for internal and external customers.
• Interface directly with internal and external customers to analyze and troubleshoot control system malfunctions, both on-site and remotely.
• Perform advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting of industrial equipment.
• Support new product development and continuous improvement of existing products by staying current with industry advancements and innovative technologies.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams, including subject matter experts, to develop and refine engineering standards and functional system specifications.
• Manage project execution related to control system development, including planning, tracking, and reporting to ensure timely completion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, automation/controls, or a related technical field from an accredited college or university, with a minimum of three (3) years of controls engineering experience, or an associate's degree in a related field with a minimum of five (5) years of controls engineering experience.
• Experience with increasingly complex machine and/or system control using a variety of off-the-shelf logic and motion control products, industrial PCs, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Experience with Rockwell (Allen-Bradley) PLCs.
• Proficiency in ladder logic programming.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical controls design and PLC/HMI code development with an emphasis on motion control, safety, and panel design.
• Experience in HMI program development.
• Experience with AC and DC power components and circuit design in AutoCAD.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of and ability to apply relevant safety standards, including UL and NFPA standards.
• Proven ability to apply a disciplined, structured approach to design in areas such as research and preparing specifications, developing and testing prototype controls, industrial control panel design and integrated systems, process documentation, drawing wiring schematics, preparing software documentation, and assisting with troubleshooting assembly and start-up issues.
• Be able to advance multiple projects concurrently.
• Possess excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel, which may include internationally - less than 10% travel.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with IoT, smart machine technologies, and industrial PCs.
• Experience with B&R, Siemens, and/or other related suppliers.
• Ability to work with, develop, and implement IoT solutions and smart machine functionality for new and used equipment.
• Experience with various system communication protocols.
• Electrical schematic and control panel layout design using AutoCAD Electrical software.
• Ability to successfully partner with and manage outside resources when needed to supplement in-house skill sets around new technologies and commercial development.