Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

Location: Richland Center, WI
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Work Arrangement: 100% On-Site
Relocation Assistance: $10,000 Relocation Bonus + Comprehensive Relocation Package (for candidates relocating more than 50 miles)

Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled and innovative Controls Engineer to drive automation, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement within a highly automated food manufacturing environment. This individual will play a critical role in optimizing electrical and control systems, improving equipment reliability, supporting manufacturing operations, and delivering capital engineering projects.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in industrial automation, PLC programming, electrical systems, and process controls with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach. This position offers the opportunity to lead impactful automation initiatives, introduce emerging technologies, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity, quality, safety, and manufacturing performance.

Key Responsibilities
Industrial Automation & Controls Engineering

• Design, develop, program, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial control systems to improve manufacturing efficiency, equipment reliability, and production capacity.
• Develop and enhance PLC, HMI, SCADA, and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solutions to support automated manufacturing operations.
• Identify and implement controls optimization opportunities that reduce downtime, improve throughput, and increase overall equipment effectiveness.
• Monitor and maintain plant control systems, including industrial networks, controller functionality, system performance, and technology obsolescence.
• Develop automation reporting, dashboards, and data-driven solutions using scripting and database technologies.
• Establish and maintain electrical, instrumentation, automation, and control system standards.

Engineering Projects & Capital Improvements

• Lead electrical, instrumentation, and controls projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and implementation.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, technical specifications, and performance deliverables.
• Support electrical system design, power distribution, equipment installations, and manufacturing technology upgrades.
• Evaluate and implement emerging automation technologies to improve operational performance and long-term system reliability.
• Coordinate and oversee external electrical contractors, engineering vendors, and system integrators.

Manufacturing Support & Technical Leadership

• Provide hands-on technical support for complex electrical, automation, and controls-related production issues.
• Partner with maintenance, engineering, operations, and plant leadership to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Train and mentor maintenance personnel on electrical automation systems, troubleshooting techniques, and controls best practices.
• Develop technical documentation, electrical drawings, process flow diagrams, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver automation improvements aligned with manufacturing and business objectives.
• Provide occasional off-hours support for critical production issues, equipment installations, and planned system upgrades.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure electrical and automation systems comply with applicable NEC, NFPA 70E, and organizational engineering standards.
• Support food safety, product quality, and manufacturing compliance requirements.
• Participate in process audits, incident investigations, and corrective action initiatives.
• Promote safe engineering practices and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in industrial controls engineering, electrical automation, or manufacturing engineering.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming, electrical control systems, and industrial automation.
• Experience with electrical system design, power distribution, equipment installations, and engineering project execution.
• Working knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, electrical theory, and industrial safety standards.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills, with a demonstrated ability to implement practical, sustainable solutions.
• Proficiency with automation programming and related engineering software.
• Strong communication, project coordination, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to provide occasional evening, weekend, holiday, or on-call support as operational needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, electrical design, and capital project execution.
• Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley PLC programming, particularly Logix 5000.
• Experience with Ignition SCADA, FactoryTalk, PanelView HMIs, and motion control systems.
• Experience developing SCADA, HMI, MES, and manufacturing data visualization solutions.
• Background in food and beverage manufacturing, particularly dairy processing and packaging operations.
• Experience with industrial networking, automation system integration, and controls modernization.
• Demonstrated success leading engineering projects and managing external contractors.
• Previous technical leadership, team management, or direct supervisory experience.
• Ability to provide technical direction across multiple engineering disciplines and automation technologies.

Compensation & Benefits
This position offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support long-term career growth and financial well-being.

• Relocation: $10,000 relocation bonus plus a comprehensive relocation assistance package for eligible candidates relocating more than 50 miles.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with a company match of up to 8%.
• Ownership: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Incentives: Performance-based incentive opportunities.
• Healthcare: Competitive medical, dental, prescription, and vision coverage with no waiting period.
• Time Off: Paid vacation and company holidays.
• Wellness: Employee wellness programs and fitness reimbursement opportunities.
• Professional Development: Continuing education assistance, technical training, and career advancement opportunities.

Why Consider This Opportunity?
Join a sophisticated, highly automated manufacturing operation where engineering innovation directly impacts productivity, reliability, and business performance.

This opportunity offers the chance to take ownership of meaningful automation projects, work with advanced industrial control technologies, and help shape the future of manufacturing operations.
With strong financial benefits, employee ownership opportunities, significant relocation support, and exposure to complex engineering challenges, this position is ideal for a Controls Engineer seeking both technical growth and long-term career stability.