Manufacturing Controls Engineer

KLONDIKE CHEESE COMPANY•Monroe, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join our team as a Manufacturing Controls Engineer and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our manufacturing operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges, implementing innovative automation solutions, and improving operational performance. In this role, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and optimize advanced manufacturing control systems that drive safety, quality, reliability, and productivity. If you're looking for a position where your expertise directly influences business success, we'd love to hear from you. The Manufacturing Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing automation and control systems. This role combines technical expertise, project leadership, and problem-solving skills to support production operations and ensure optimal equipment performance. Working closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and external partners, you will lead automation initiatives, support new equipment installations, troubleshoot complex systems, and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency and reliability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field; or a minimum of three years of experience in manufacturing automation or controls engineering.
Experience programming, troubleshooting, and supporting PLC systems, including Allen-Bradley platforms.
Strong knowledge of HMI systems, VFDs, servo drives, sensors, robotics, and industrial control systems.
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, and DeviceNet.
Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
Strong analytical thinking, troubleshooting, and root cause problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management abilities.
Experience working in manufacturing environments with automated production equipment.
Advanced knowledge of electrical controls, control wiring, panel design, transducers, and machine controls.
Working knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, packaging equipment, machine guarding, drive belts, alignments, and related mechanical systems.
Ability to analyze system performance and identify opportunities for automation, reliability, and efficiency improvements.
Proficiency using engineering software and diagnostic tools to support system development and troubleshooting.
Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Team-oriented mindset with the ability to effectively collaborate across engineering, maintenance, production, and leadership teams.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, or emergency call-ins when business needs require.
Ability to travel periodically for training, vendor support, and equipment commissioning activities.

Responsibilities

Design, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC, HMI, robotics, and industrial automation systems to ensure maximum reliability and performance.
Develop, modify, and improve control systems for manufacturing equipment and production lines.
Support the installation, startup, commissioning, validation, and integration of new manufacturing equipment.
Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, robotics, and industrial network issues to minimize downtime and optimize production performance.
Optimize manufacturing processes through automation technologies, data-driven analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Create and maintain electrical schematics, control narratives, I/O lists, technical drawings, and supporting documentation.
Manage controls-related projects, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, vendor management, and project execution.
Support maintenance teams in troubleshooting equipment failures and implementing effective corrective actions.
Maintain critical controls spare parts inventories and pre-program replacement components to support rapid recovery efforts.
Lead root cause analysis activities and implement sustainable solutions to improve reliability and throughput.
Ensure all systems comply with company safety standards, electrical codes, food safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and external resources to complete projects and service activities.
Provide technical training and ongoing support to manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering personnel.
Complete work orders, maintenance records, logs, and system documentation accurately and on time.
Operate material handling and powered industrial equipment as required.
Support compliance with BRCGS, HACCP, GMP, OSHA, and other applicable food safety and sanitation standards.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.