Manufacturing Controls Engineer
About The Position
The Manufacturing Controls Engineer provides technical expertise to design and improve manufacturing performance across production, cost, quality, safety compliance, and environmental requirements. Based in Decatur, Illinois, the role leads enhancements to complex equipment and processes, monitors reliability to eliminate downtime and chronic losses, and coaches operations technical staff and support teams to strengthen shop-floor capability. The position involves hands-on engineering in a high-visibility plant environment, applying structured problem solving and practical engineering to create sustainable process improvements. The role requires onsite work five days a week and travel of up to 40%.
Requirements
- Degree or equivalent experience desired.
- Ability to design and implement manufacturing processes safely and effectively, following standards, policies, and practices.
- Ability to execute, plan, manage, and monitor manufacturing processes; document standards; and integrate new technologies into existing processes.
- Ability to apply lean principles and tools to improve flow, reduce waste, and strengthen work-cell design and performance measurement.
- Ability to organize data, clarify priorities, evaluate alternatives, and use diagnostic tools to drive durable countermeasures.
- Ability to help build detailed project plans covering cost, schedule, and resources; gather stakeholder input; and produce standard status reports.
- Working knowledge of developing and deploying automation solutions, analyzing workflows, testing, and using common RPA platforms.
Nice To Haves
- In-depth knowledge of API integration.
- Experience deploying and leading Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) initiatives.
- Siemens and Allen-Bradley software skills.
- Knowledge of embedded AI technologies.
- Experience with Fanuc, ABB, Kuka, or Cloos robotics.
Responsibilities
- Define software and hardware requirements to control and enhance production equipment and processes in collaboration with manufacturing and quality engineering.
- Select and lead the implementation of new control devices and sensors into IIoT platforms and manufacturing execution systems.
- Create, troubleshoot, and modify PLC programming and ladder logic for production equipment to optimize manufacturing performance.
- Lead and support automation projects involving complex system designs and integrated controls software.
- Monitor advanced equipment performance and process reliability, applying problem-solving skills to improve consistency and repeatability.
- Provide technical expertise and guidance on major manufacturing projects, working with internal and external suppliers to improve manufacturing productivity and cost effectiveness.
- Coach operations technical staff and support teams to strengthen shop-floor capability.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer time.
- 401(k) savings plans.
- Health Savings Account (HSA).
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
- Health Lifestyle Programs.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Voluntary benefits and employee discounts.
- Career development.
- Incentive bonus.
- Disability benefits.
- Life insurance.
- Parental leave.
- Adoption benefits.
- Tuition reimbursement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
