Senior Controls Engineer

First Quality • McElhattan, PA

21d • Onsite

About The Position

First Quality is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer for Nutek Disposables in McElhattan, Pennsylvania. The role designs, implements, and upgrades complex control systems and software for production equipment and associated machinery. It mentors Controls Engineers and Technicians, supports complex problem-solving, and contributes directly to plant performance through machine improvements and engineering-based upkeep.

The position works with engineering, maintenance, production, MES, vendors, OEMs, and contractors on equipment and process controls from design through installation, commissioning, startup, and acceptance testing. It specifies and evaluates control systems and components, makes advanced program modifications, troubleshoots electrical, mechanical, and process issues, leads improvement and small capital projects, and trains personnel. The engineer is expected to keep current with controls technologies, industry trends, and relevant safety regulations and standards, while prioritizing safety and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related degree.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience with Industrial Controls Systems.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical theory and principles of operation.
• Advanced knowledge of PLC-based hardware and software, including Rockwell and Siemens, servo control, and HMI.
• Ability to create and modify schematic drawings using AutoCAD software.
• Knowledge of mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Formal training in functional machine safety and safe machine design through Safety Risk Assessment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of or formal training in Security in Automation (ISO 62443).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Root Cause Analysis experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal Engineering Teams, Maintenance and Production personnel, OEMs, vendors, and contractors to design, install, commission, and start up equipment and process controls.
• Support selection and approval of electrical and controls components, approval of electrical designs, software assessments and modifications, machine acceptance testing, and problem identification and resolution.
• Specify and/or design DCSs, PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, motors, drives, sensors, vision sensors, and data collection systems according to First Quality controls standards.
• Evaluate electrical equipment from multiple sources and recommend the best solution for use.
• Assess, design, and make complex modifications to DCSs, PLC logic, HMI programs, and servo controller logic to improve equipment and system performance.
• Perform high-level troubleshooting and use internal and external resources to solve electrical, mechanical, or process problems.
• Lead and assist others in troubleshooting equipment, controls components, and control programs.
• Work with the internal MES team to develop and maintain machine data collection.
• Lead small capital projects.
• Keep abreast of controls technologies, industry trends, and health and safety regulations and standards affecting operations.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve production performance and initiate, lead, and oversee improvement projects through completion.
• Provide technical and operational training to Controls team members, Production, Warehouse, and other personnel as needed.
• Share knowledge and techniques and coordinate training to strengthen personnel troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrate urgency with peers and operations personnel, drive a zero-loss-time mentality through continuous improvement, and prioritize safety in decisions.
• Provide direction and assistance as necessary for off-shift and after-hours support.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Process Engineering, Project Engineering, and Operations to define design requirements and improvements and install machinery and upgrades.
• Verify that machine and process changes are communicated to affected team members.
• Support key initiatives and special projects, provide customer service, and participate in, facilitate, or lead group communications and meetings.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities
• Paid time off (three-week minimum)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid parental leave
• Child and family care assistance through a dependent care FSA with employer match up to $2,500
• Bundle of joy benefit: a year's worth of free diapers for team members with a new baby
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness program with savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums

What This Job Offers

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