Controls Engineer

Job Details

Main Office - Ludington, MI

$100000.00 - $100000.00 Salary

1st Shift

Description

SUMMARY:

Providing safe and quality food is the job of all House of Flavors employees. The Controls Engineer, an at-will employee working under the direction of the Engineering Manager, supports the achievement of the Department’s vision and objectives. The Controls Engineer serves as a key technical resource in the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of PLC controls, automation, and electromechanical systems that drive plant operations. Requires flexibility in working hours to support the needs of Maintenance, Engineering, and Operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the design, programming, troubleshooting, and optimization of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, servo motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and robotic systems.

• Leads the development, integration, and implementation of automation solutions to enhance process efficiency, reliability, and safety.

• Maintains and updates control system documentation, including electrical schematics, ladder logic diagrams, control narratives, and software backups.

• Collaborates with Maintenance and Operations teams to troubleshoot and resolve control system issues, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.

• Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and leads projects to enhance automation, controls, and system reliability.

• Works with external service providers and vendors to evaluate, install, and commission automation equipment and software solutions.

• Ensures all control systems meet regulatory, safety, and food industry compliance standards, including OSHA, FDA, and SQF guidelines.

• Assists with the training and development of Maintenance Technicians and Operations personnel to enhance their understanding of automation systems.

• Provides technical guidance on capital projects involving automation and control systems.

• Performs other duties as assigned, including supporting facility maintenance, production support, and operational enhancements.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility to the appropriate company standard. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field is preferred. A minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Experience in a food manufacturing environment is highly desirable.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCE:

• PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)

• SCADA and HMI development

• Motor controls, servo systems, and VFDs

• Networking and industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus)

• Instrumentation and process control

• Electrical troubleshooting and system integration

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and write in order to follow instructions, create and respond to technical documents, understand and follow company policies, and effectively present information verbally and in written format.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Strong understanding of electrical calculations, PID control loops, and automation logic.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work through complex system integrations and troubleshoot advanced control system issues.

• Proactively identify potential failure points and implement preventive measures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand and walk for extended periods. Frequent use of hands and arms for control panel operation, electrical troubleshooting, and fine motor skills is required. The employee must be able to climb ladders, stoop, crouch, and work in confined spaces. Talking and hearing are required for effective communication with team members.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee regularly works with moving mechanical components and high-voltage electrical systems. The employee is regularly exposed to high noise levels, wet conditions, and sanitation chemicals. The employee may occasionally work in high places, confined spaces, and extreme temperatures.

COMMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Employee is required to wear an approved uniform provided by the company. Employee must wear safety-toed boots, protective gloves when necessary, and a hairnet/beard net per food safety guidelines. Occasional travel may be required for training or project-related work.