Manufacturing Controls Engineer

Office•Pocatello, ID

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Controls Engineer conceptualizes, develops, designs, evaluates, recommends, and—upon approval—executes engineering programs that support Manufacturing objectives. The role requires self-directed initiative and responsiveness to defined needs, with the primary goal of completing projects on time and within budget. It also programs and configures PLCs, tunes control loops, develops detailed software design descriptions, and troubleshoots control systems throughout the manufacturing facility. The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but may involve supervising employees assigned to projects and managing outside contractors. The department manager can cover the role’s duties during the employee’s absence. The engineer recommends short- and long-range facility and equipment projects; studies process improvements and equipment problems; evaluates new processing equipment and systems; develops project specifications; obtains and evaluates contractor bids; schedules and supervises installations; tracks costs; and coordinates project work across contractors and plant departments. The role also provides technical support to plant departments and the Maintenance Department, including assistance and training as needed. It uses engineering documentation and scheduling tools and works with industrial controls, electronic test equipment, computer hardware, and software. All employees are responsible for upholding Amy’s Food Safety and Quality Policy, following Food Safety and Sustainability programs, and participating in required training. The position works in a manufacturing environment and may encounter wet or humid conditions, extreme cold, moving mechanical parts, extreme heat, and moderate noise.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Controls or Systems Engineering from a four-year college or university, or at least 15 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
At least five years of related experience is preferred.
Knowledge of industrial hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Understanding of and experience in control theory.
Ability to use AutoCAD to draw and document new and existing systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of industrial codes and experience with electrical panel design and schematics.
Experience programming A/B SLC500 series controllers and Logix 5000 controllers, and developing HMI screens.
Knowledge of motor drives, servo motor control and applications, robotics, and PC-based machine control.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Familiarity with engineering and design practices and standards.
Ability to work independently and self-motivate.
Flexible, self-starting approach and high standards for quality.
Hands-on, multitasking, detail-oriented, and safety-conscious approach.
Ability to work well in a team environment.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business publications, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals, and to present information and respond to questions effectively.
Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts, including advanced calculus, modern algebra, statistical theory, and related equations and methods.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, interpret technical instructions, and work with abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with a food manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Recommend short- and long-range facility and equipment projects to the Director of Engineering.
Conduct implementation studies for process or method improvements.
Evaluate new processing equipment and systems for manufacturing use, including their effect on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Investigate existing equipment problems, analyze alternative solutions, and provide conclusions and recommendations.
Develop project specifications; conduct pre-bid meetings; gather and analyze contractor bids; award bids; and schedule and supervise equipment installations.
Provide or arrange supervision of equipment installation on weekends.
Obtain three competitive bids for projects over $5,000, documenting explanations for exceptions.
Generate purchase orders, track project costs, and complete and file contractor paperwork, including insurance certificates, purchase orders, and signed contractor handouts.
Coordinate project activities among contractors and involved plant departments, and ensure compliance with company rules and applicable local, state, and federal laws, including OSHA requirements.
Submit a project summary memo with activity and project status to the Director of Engineering at the end of each month.
Hold daily or as-needed planning and information meetings for major projects requiring coordination.
Use Microsoft Project for critical-path scheduling, Gantt charts, and milestone schedules when appropriate.
Schedule plant employees assigned to projects through the Maintenance Manager, supervise their project work, and, whenever possible, provide Maintenance with at least five days’ notice.
Provide technical support to plant departments and, as needed, technical support and training to the Maintenance Department.
Program and configure PLCs, tune control loops, develop software design descriptions, and troubleshoot existing control systems.
Support electrical panel design and schematics, industrial codes, HMI development, motor drives, servo motor applications, robotics, and PC-based machine control.
Work from schedules, blueprints, sketches, specifications, schematics, work orders, and verbal or written instructions.
Specify and use electronic test equipment, computer hardware, and software.
Uphold Amy’s Food Safety and Quality Policy, follow Food Safety and Sustainability programs, and participate in required training.