Technical Engineer - Controls Engineering na None

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly technical and detail-oriented Technical Engineer – Controls Engineering to join our team at a Personal Care manufacturing plant. This position will serve as the primary controls engineer on-site, with direct responsibility for PLC/HMI/SCADA programming, automation system architecture, and the validation of control systems to meet cGMP and industry standards. The role requires strong technical expertise in industrial automation, machine control, and process systems integration to ensure high reliability, efficiency, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) and primary controls engineering resource for the facility.
• Design, configure, program, and troubleshoot PLC systems (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix, SLC) and HMI platforms (FactoryTalk View, PanelView).
• Develop, integrate, and maintain SCADA systems for process monitoring, data collection, and reporting (AVEVA/Wonderware System Platform).
• Specify, configure, and optimize industrial networks including Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, and DeviceNet, ensuring cybersecurity and reliability.
• Support commissioning, FAT, SAT, and IQ/OQ/PQ validation activities related to controls and automation systems.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical control cabinets and associated systems to ensure optimal performance, safety, and minimal downtime in industrial automation environments.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for automation and instrumentation issues impacting production or utilities.
• Maintain revision-controlled documentation of all control system programs, logic diagrams, network architectures, panel layouts, and instrumentation drawings.
• Develop and enforce plant-wide standards for PLC code structure, HMI graphics, and alarm management.
• Provide engineering input for the design and integration of new automated systems, including servo drives, VFDs, robotics, and process instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature, and level sensors).
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to optimize equipment performance through advanced control strategies (PID tuning, sequence control, batch automation).
• Lead obsolescence management and migration projects for legacy control platforms to modern solutions.
• Work with external integrators and OEMs to specify control system requirements and verify deliverables meet plant standards.
• Develop predictive and preventive maintenance strategies for automation hardware and software components.
• Train and mentor technicians, maintenance staff, and junior engineers on advanced troubleshooting and system best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of controls or automation engineering experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (personal care, pharmaceutical, or food & beverage strongly preferred).
• Proficiency in Rockwell Automation platforms including Studio 5000 Logix Designer, RSLogix 500, FactoryTalk View SE/ME, and AVEVA/Wonderware System Platform.
• Experience with system integration, SCADA architectures, OPC communication protocols, and industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation calibration, loop tuning, and advanced control strategies (PID, cascade, and feed-forward control).
• Knowledge of electrical design and schematics, NFPA 70E, UL standards, and machine safety compliance (ISO 13849, IEC 61508).
• Familiarity with MES/ERP systems.
• Proven track record of supporting IQ/OQ/PQ validation and authoring controls-related SOPs and test protocols in a cGMP environment.
• Experience implementing data integrity, cybersecurity, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance within automation systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose hardware, software, and instrumentation issues.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills for cross-functional collaboration and regulatory audits.

Additional Information

Reports to: Engineering & Facilities Manager

Schedule: Full-time, on-site with occasional after-hours or weekend support for critical system issues.