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Job Description
Controls & System Engineer 3.0 3.0 out of 5 stars Blue Island, IL 60406 $80,000•$120,000 a year•Full-time
RNA CORPORATION 20
reviews $80,000•$120,000 a year•Full-time
ABOUT THE JOB
We are seeking a highly skilled and versatile Controls & Systems Engineer to oversee the design, programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting of our industrial automation and mechanical systems. The ideal candidate will be a unique hybrid professional: an expert in electrical controls and PLC programming (specifically Allen-Bradley and Siemens) who is equally comfortable diagnosing and optimizing traditional plant mechanical systems like pumps, motors, and thermal equipment. You will ensure maximum uptime, seamless machine communication, and efficient system validation.
WORKING RELATIONSHIP
Reports directly to the Maintenance & Engineering Manager Works closely with Maintenance Technicians, Production Supervisors, Operators, and Quality personnel to support manufacturing operations. Partners with Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Validation, and Regulatory teams on automation and process improvement projects. Coordinates with equipment manufacturers, system integrators, contractors, and service providers during installations and troubleshooting activities. Provides technical guidance and training to maintenance and production personnel regarding controls systems and automation equipment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Contribute to the complete compounding process and fulfilling of requisitions with high-performing talent through: • PLC Programming & Industrial Automation Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC programs utilizing Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, FactoryTalk) and Siemens (TIA Portal, STEP 7) platforms. Design, implement, and maintain automation solutions for manufacturing, packaging, filling, labeling, and material handling equipment. Configure, troubleshoot, and support Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), SCADA systems, and data collection platforms. Integrate new equipment into existing control systems and manufacturing networks. Maintain and document PLC code revisions, backup systems, and control system standards. Analyze production data and machine performance to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, reliability, and throughput. • Electrical Systems & Controls Troubleshoot and maintain industrial electrical systems including 480V power distribution, motor control circuits, three-phase motors, VFDs, servo systems, relays, contactors, and control panels. Design and review electrical schematics, panel layouts, and control system architecture. Configure and maintain industrial communication networks including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, and related protocols. Calibrate and troubleshoot sensors, instrumentation, photo-eyes, encoders, limit switches, and safety devices. Support installation, startup, commissioning, and validation of new manufacturing equipment and process systems. Perform electrical root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions to improve equipment reliability. • Mechanical Systems Support Provide technical support for mechanical equipment including pumps, conveyors, gearboxes, mixers, filling equipment, packaging machinery, and utility systems. Assist with troubleshooting issues involving motors, bearings, couplings, power transmission systems, and rotating equipment. Support facility utility systems including compressed air, steam generation, heat exchangers, and water systems. Determine whether equipment failures are caused by electrical, controls, software, or mechanical issues and coordinate appropriate corrective actions. • Project Management & Continuous Improvement Lead automation and controls projects from concept through implementation. Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, quality, waste reduction, and equipment reliability. Collaborate with Maintenance, Production, Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams to improve manufacturing processes. Develop and maintain technical documentation, operating procedures, electrical drawings, and equipment standards. Assist with capital equipment evaluations, vendor selection, and equipment acceptance testing. Validation, Quality & Compliance Participate in equipment validation activities including Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ). Ensure control systems comply with applicable GMP, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. Maintain accurate documentation for audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance. Support cybersecurity and backup procedures for critical manufacturing systems. • Safety Responsibilities Promote and maintain a strong culture of safety throughout the facility. Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, NFPA standards, electrical safety requirements, and company policies. Follow and enforce Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures when working on electrical and mechanical systems. Conduct risk assessments and support machine safety improvements, including safeguarding systems, safety relays, and emergency stop circuits. Identify and eliminate potential hazards through engineering controls and continuous improvement efforts. All Other Duties Assigned
REQUIREMENTS
Advanced knowledge of Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms. Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, including 240V/480V power distribution and three-phase motor controls. Experience troubleshooting inkjet coders (specifically Hitachi) Experience with VFDs, servo systems, motion control, HMIs, and SCADA platforms. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings. Knowledge of industrial networking and machine communication protocols. Working knowledge of mechanical systems, fluid handling equipment, pumps, conveyors, and utility systems. Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills. Excellent project management, communication, and organizational abilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance or asset management systems.
EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field (preferred).
Pay:
$80,000.00•$120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance
