Controls Engineer

Job Overview: We are seeking a Controls Engineer to join our team at a fast-paced beverage co-packing manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for designing, supporting, troubleshooting, and improving industrial automation and control systems across beverage filling, packaging, and material handling operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI systems, industrial electrical controls, networking, and automation. This position will work closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and external vendors to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, support capital projects, and standardize controls systems across the facility. Work Location and Format:4831 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, on-site work required

Reports To: Director of Engineering

Responsibilities: Design, develop, program, troubleshoot, and support industrial automation and control systems throughout the manufacturing facility. Program and maintain Allen-Bradley PLC systems, including ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms, using Rockwell Automation software such as Studio 5000.Develop, modify, and troubleshoot HMI applications using platforms such as FactoryTalk View. Provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support for production equipment, including PLC-controlled machinery, VFDs, servo systems, sensors, motors, conveyors, and automated packaging equipment. Apply strong controls electrician skills to troubleshoot electrical control panels, field devices, wiring, relays, contactors, motor starters, and other industrial electrical components. Read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics, panel layouts, P&IDs, and control system documentation. Support the design and implementation of new control panels, electrical upgrades, machine modifications, and automation projects. Troubleshoot and support industrial communication networks, including Ethernet/IP and other industrial networking protocols. Configure and maintain managed industrial switches and assist with the design, troubleshooting, and documentation of manufacturing networks. Work closely with IT and Engineering teams to ensure reliable communication between production equipment, control systems, data collection systems, and enterprise networks. Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, automation, safety, and production efficiency through controls and automation upgrades. Analyze equipment downtime and recurring failures to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions. Lead or support controls-related capital projects from concept through commissioning, including equipment specifications, vendor coordination, installation, programming, testing, and startup. Partner with Maintenance, Operations, Quality, and Engineering teams to support production priorities and resolve complex equipment issues. Develop and maintain controls standards, electrical documentation, PLC programs, network diagrams, and backup files. Establish and maintain proper backup procedures for PLC, HMI, drive, and other automation system programs and configurations. Support system standardization efforts across manufacturing lines to improve maintainability and reduce troubleshooting time. Assist in the commissioning and startup of new filling, packaging, conveying, and material handling equipment. Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, system integrators, electricians, and contractors during equipment installations and controls upgrades. Provide technical guidance and training to maintenance personnel on controls systems, electrical troubleshooting, and automation technologies. Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and implementing automation solutions that improve OEE, reduce downtime, and increase operational efficiency. Support the company’s SQF, GMP, safety, and quality programs through adherence to policies and involvement in audits and training. Stay current with automation technology, industrial networking, controls hardware, and industry best practices. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Engineering.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering field — OR — equivalent experience in industrial controls and automation. Minimum of 3–5 years of experience working with industrial automation and controls systems in a manufacturing environment. Strong experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLC systems, including ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms. Experience with Rockwell Automation software, including Studio 5000.Experience developing and troubleshooting industrial HMI systems. Strong knowledge of industrial electrical systems and controls, including 24VDC control circuits, relays, contactors, motor starters, sensors, and field devices. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel documentation. Hands-on experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing and packaging equipment. Experience troubleshooting industrial communication networks and Ethernet-based automation systems. Strong understanding of industrial networking concepts and protocols, including Ethernet/IP.Proficiency in root cause analysis and structured troubleshooting techniques. Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. Ability and willingness to provide hands-on support in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in the beverage, food, packaging, or consumer goods manufacturing industry. Experience with Allen-Bradley FactoryTalk View, FactoryTalk Linx, and related Rockwell Automation platforms. Experience with Allen-Bradley variable frequency drives and servo systems. Experience with managed industrial Ethernet switches and network configuration. Familiarity with industrial cybersecurity principles and network segmentation. Experience integrating automation equipment from multiple OEMs and control platforms. Experience with machine vision, barcode systems, robotic systems, or automated material handling equipment. Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or other electrical design software. Familiarity with SCADA systems, manufacturing data collection, and OEE monitoring systems. Experience with Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or continuous improvement methodologies. Electrical license, controls electrician experience, or equivalent hands-on industrial electrical experience.

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit, stand, and walk in a factory and warehouse environment for most of the day. Ability to periodically lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and work on elevated platforms. Ability to troubleshoot equipment and access electrical panels and machinery in a manufacturing environment. Ability to work on a computer and in an office environment for extended periods. Ability to travel occasionally for training, workshops, equipment acceptance testing, or seminars. Ability to wear appropriate PPE when working in the manufacturing facility. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. The company reserves the right to add to or revise an employee’s job duties at any time at its sole discretion. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.