Controls Engineer - Team Lead presso ALKAR-RAPIDPAK, INC.

Description

General Summary: The Controls Engineer – Team Lead is responsible for developing and programming control systems, coordinating the work of Controls Engineers, assigning tasks, and tracking and reporting project progress. The role also includes supporting major projects, system upgrades, and customer troubleshooting. This position requires technical proficiency, effective communication, and consistent follow-through.

Principal Accountabilities:

Technical Responsibilities

• Lead and execute control system projects from concept through commissioning.
• Collaborate with internal teams and customers to align on system requirements and ensure successful project outcomes.
• Design and program PLCs, HMIs, and PC-based control systems (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley preferred).
• Support system startups both remotely and on-site (travel up to 10%).
• Troubleshoot and resolve customer or field issues in a timely, professional manner.
• Guide the creation and review of electrical schematics and controls documentation.
• Stay current with emerging controls technologies and industry best practices.

Team Lead Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Director of Engineering to assign and prioritize Controls Engineering projects and tasks.
• Track and report project status, progress, and key metrics to ensure visibility across departments.
• Serve as a first point of contact for project coordination, technical questions, and issue escalation.
• Mentor and support Controls Engineers with programming, troubleshooting, and field-related challenges.
• Review and approve code, logic, and documentation to ensure consistency and quality across projects.
• Coordinate with Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Field Service teams to align on project timing and requirements.
• Identify training and development needs within the Controls team and support skill-building initiatives.
• Provide feedback and input on team performance and project outcomes to the Director of Engineering.

General

• Bring initiative, accountability, and ownership to each assignment—whether working independently or with a cross-functional team.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field—or equivalent practical experience.
• 3–5 years of hands-on experience designing or programming industrial control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate or lead engineering teams or projects.
• Proficiency with PLC and HMI platforms, particularly Rockwell/Allen-Bradley (Siemens experience is a plus).
• Experience with servo motion control and system integration is a plus.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Clear communication and leadership skills with a collaborative, professional approach.
• Self-driven, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Aligned with a culture that values trust, teamwork, follow-through, and proactive problem solving.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based, with occasional work on the shop floor or at customer sites
• Environments may include temperature-controlled areas (heated or refrigerated)
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs may be required

Requirements

 ALKAR is dedicated to growing our employees and wishes to invest additional in additional education to accomplish this task. We ask that every employee bring these learning opportunities to team leaders. We also wish for each team member maintain their skills through self-directed learning and active participation to stay up to date on current trends in controls and equipment.