About the Role Pinnacle Partners is recruiting for a Controls/Electrical Engineer in Lafayette, IN. This is a hands-on engineering and programming position supporting manufacturing operations on first shift. The ideal candidate will have experience troubleshooting and editing PLC programs, working with Allen Bradley/Rockwell and Siemens controls, and supporting automated manufacturing equipment directly on the production floor. This role is approximately 70% floor-based and 30% office/admin, with a strong emphasis on hands-on troubleshooting, machine uptime, controls programming, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Work hands-on with Maintenance and Controls Technicians to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain manufacturing equipment. Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automated equipment directly on the manufacturing floor. Support equipment including wire draw lines, take-ups, re-winders, ovens, annealers, and other manufacturing machinery. Troubleshoot and edit PLC programs to identify and resolve equipment issues and improve machine operation. Work with Siemens and Rockwell/Allen Bradley controls, including RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk, EZ Series, and C-more. Troubleshoot and program HMIs and automated equipment. Perform Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) programming and troubleshooting. Provide electrical engineering support, troubleshooting, and repair assistance to manufacturing operations. Manage assigned engineering projects while meeting design, cost, installation, and timing requirements. Assist with CAPEX projects and equipment or facility enhancements. Support plant engineering initiatives involving equipment purchases, capital expenditures, environmental programs, security, and safety. Support electrical systems operating at 480V and below. Troubleshoot power distribution systems and electrical equipment. Apply knowledge of electrical codes and safe electrical practices. Document all changes made to PLC and controls programs. Maintain accurate records of programming changes, modifications, and equipment improvements. Work directly with Maintenance and Controls Technicians to diagnose equipment problems and implement solutions. Use a hands-on approach to resolve issues quickly and keep production equipment operating. Interface with internal departments, contractors, vendors, and other external parties as needed. Support continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives across manufacturing operations. Adapt to a fast-paced, constantly changing manufacturing environment with new equipment, projects, and priorities. Balance approximately 70% floor-based troubleshooting and engineering work with 30% office, administrative, documentation, and reporting responsibilities. Take ownership of assigned projects and independently drive them through completion. Support the continued expansion and modernization of manufacturing equipment and processes. Work closely with Maintenance, Controls, Engineering, Operations, and other plant personnel to maintain equipment reliability and production uptime.

Requirements:

Associate's degree in Engineering or a related field required; Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a similar discipline preferred. Hands-on experience troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and electrical/controls systems. Experience working directly on the manufacturing floor rather than exclusively in a design or office-based engineering environment. Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell or Siemens PLC systems; Siemens experience strongly preferred. Experience editing and troubleshooting PLC code; ability to modify existing programs rather than primarily developing programs from scratch. Experience with HMI programming and troubleshooting. Experience with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). Experience working with electrical systems operating at 480V and below. Knowledge of power distribution systems and electrical troubleshooting. Knowledge of electrical codes and basic electrical engineering calculations. Experience documenting changes made to PLC and controls programs. Demonstrated project management experience, including managing engineering projects through implementation. Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues quickly and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Ability and willingness to work directly with Maintenance and Controls Technicians on the production floor. Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned projects. Ability to communicate effectively with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and other internal and external stakeholders. Ability to work Monday through Friday on first shift, beginning at approximately 7:00 AM. Willingness to work overtime as needed to support production and complete projects.

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field. Strong Siemens PLC experience. Experience with Siemens and Rockwell/Allen Bradley controls. Experience with RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk, EZ Series, or C-more. AutoCAD experience or other electrical/design software experience. Six Sigma certification. Experience with electrical panel design. Experience with equipment layouts. Lean manufacturing experience. Experience in an automotive manufacturing environment. Experience supporting cost-reduction and continuous improvement initiatives. Experience with capital equipment projects. Experience supporting new equipment installation and commissioning. Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with frequent equipment changes and new machine installations. Experience troubleshooting wire manufacturing, heat treating, ovens, or similar industrial processing equipment.

Benefits Overview:

$80,000-$100,000 per year based on experiencec. Discretionary companywide performance bonus ranging from 0-5% of prior-year base salary based on company KPI performance. Medical insurance. Dental insurance. Vision insurance. Life insurance. 401(k) with employer matching. Health Savings Account. Educational assistance and tuition reimbursement. Employee Assistance Program. Employee referral program. Monday-Friday, first-shift schedule beginning at approximately 7:00 AM. Opportunity to work with new equipment and support continued manufacturing expansion. Explore More Engineering Opportunities This role falls within our Engineering/Manufacturing division , where we specialize in placing professionals in areas such as: Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Manufacturing/Process Engineering Controls Engineering Project Engineering Technical Sales Operations / Plant Engineering Explore additional Engineering roles and learn more about how we support Engineering professionals: or Manufacturing & Engineering Opportunities #ENG123 About Pinnacle Partners For more than two decades, Pinnacle Partners has been connecting top talent with leading employers across Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, and other cities throughout the Midwest. We specialize in Information Technology, Accounting & Finance, Administrative, Human Resources, and Engineering/Manufacturing, offering contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. Job Details Lafayette, IN Onsite Up to $100000 per Year Direct Hire