Controls Engineer I

About the Role

The Controls Engineer I will work with the Process Control Engineer team in the design, configuration, integration, and implementation of process control solutions for wood products manufacturing facilities. This includes the engineering of electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, SQL, Access, and PC networking technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Gain mastery in current process, control, and reporting systems and work to continuously improve electrical/process control systems.
• Introduce recommended changes in control schemes to improve business unit operation.
• Combine newer technologies and extensions of current architecture.
• Plan and coordinate technical design and implementation of project work.
• Monitor machinery and system operations to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate and solve problems, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Work with maintenance and operational teams to support continuous improvements of assets and asset performance.
• Think strategically about downtime prevention and long-term issue resolution while maintaining a culture of efficiency and quick reaction to downtime events.
• Respond to equipment downtime emergencies, and plan/execute plans for recurring situations.
• Identify opportunities where condition-based monitoring can predict failure.
• Provide informal and formal training for electrical personnel to ensure development of good operating and maintenance practices.
• Provide backup support to other process control and electrical supervision personnel.
• Provide electrical engineering support to sustain production.
• Work closely with electrical supervisors to maintain documentation related to process control system configuration and SOPs.
• Balance day-to-day needs with long-term projects.
• Ensure compliance with all standards and programs (safety, environmental, quality, maintenance, and manufacturing policies and procedures).
• Perform additional duties as required.
• On-site attendance is essential.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PLCs
• HMIs
• SCADA systems
• SQL
• Access
• PC networking technologies
• MS Suite
• MS Project
• CMMS
• AutoCAD
• Kronos
• IO Servers
• VB
• Python
• C#
• Electrical, instrumentation, hydraulic, and mechanical systems

Qualifications

• Desire to continually improve understanding of computerized equipment programming for diagnostics and repairs.
• Familiarity with sensors and transmitters and their theoretical and practical applications.
• Proficient using computers and associated software.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair machinery using drawings, schematics, and root-cause/failure analysis.
• Strong knowledge of engineering concepts.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions.
• High level of personal integrity and ethical and professional standards.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Self-directed and motivated to complete projects without direct supervision.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and respond to callouts if needed.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, manufacturing, mechatronics, or mechanical engineering, or graduating in the next 6 months.
• Manufacturing or relevant process control experience preferred.
• Working experience with PLC, HMI, or other programming languages such as VB, Python, and C#.
• Education or experience with fluid and electrical power systems.
• Senior project or internship experience in project design, installation, and startup preferred.

Environmental Conditions: May be exposed to dust, noise, trip hazards, and variable weather and temperatures.

Required Personal Protective Equipment: May include high visibility garments, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, a hard hat, and foot protection.