Project Engineer - Controls & Electrical

Job Description

About Americhem

Americhem is a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds, and performance technologies. Our business is built around delivering Performance, Solutions, and Trust through close collaboration with customers seeking to optimize their polymer products. All of our products are backed by complete technical support that ensures quality, reliability, and value.

Position Summary

Americhem is seeking a hands-on and technically strong Project Engineer – Controls & Electrical to support the design, implementation, and commissioning of industrial automation and electrical systems across our manufacturing facilities. This role will focus heavily on PLC programming, electrical controls design, automation integration, and plant process improvements.

The Project Engineer will partner closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and external vendors to execute capital projects, troubleshoot manufacturing systems, improve equipment reliability, and support continuous improvement initiatives. This position plays a key role in supporting operational efficiency, equipment performance, and automation standardization across the organization. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, working directly in manufacturing environments, and leading projects from concept through startup.

Key Responsibilities

Controls & Automation Engineering

Design, program, and implement industrial control systems for manufacturing equipment and processes

Develop and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA programs utilizing platforms such as Allen Bradley, Siemens, or similar systems

Troubleshoot and resolve controls-related issues impacting plant operations and equipment performance

Lead automation improvement initiatives focused on increasing reliability, reducing downtime, and improving production efficiency

Support integration of new equipment into existing plant control systems

Develop electrical schematics, control narratives, and technical system documentation

Support standardization of controls architecture and automation systems across manufacturing facilities

Project Engineering & Execution

Lead engineering projects from concept through commissioning and startup

Define project scope, technical requirements, budgets, and project schedules

Coordinate activities with vendors, contractors, operations teams, and maintenance personnel

Manage installation, startup, and validation activities for new equipment and automation systems

Track project progress and communicate updates to engineering and plant leadership

Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget

Manufacturing & Process Support

Support plant operations with troubleshooting of manufacturing process and equipment issues

Analyze equipment and process performance to identify opportunities for improvement

Assist with implementation of process optimization initiatives and new technologies

Collaborate with plant leadership on operational initiatives and continuous improvement activities

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Chemical, Mechanical, or related field) or equivalent experience

3–8 years of engineering experience within manufacturing environments

Experience with PLC programming and industrial control systems

Experience supporting plant operations, manufacturing systems, or process automation

Prior project engineering or project leadership experience preferred

Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, and electrical controls design strongly preferred

Technical Skills

PLC programming experience utilizing Rockwell Software applications including:

RS Logix 500

RS Logix 5000

Studio 5000

RSView32

FactoryTalk View

RSNetworx

HMI/SCADA systems

Industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.)

Electrical controls design and troubleshooting

Process analysis and continuous improvement

Root cause analysis and problem solving

Project management and vendor coordination

Desired Attributes

Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills

Hands-on engineering mindset with the ability to work effectively in plant environments

Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously

Self-driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability

Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational excellence

Additional Information

Travel required to support domestic and international manufacturing facilities as needed (estimated 40–60%)