Project Engineer - Controls & Automation (53080)

Position Overview

An established contract manufacturing organization specializing in consumer product formulation, manufacturing, and packaging is seeking a skilled Project Engineer – Controls & Automation to support its growing engineering and manufacturing operations.

This position is ideal for a hands-on engineering professional who enjoys working directly with industrial equipment, automation technologies, and cross-functional teams to improve production performance, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.

Reporting to engineering leadership, the Project Engineer will develop and implement technical solutions for new and existing manufacturing applications while helping advance the organization's capabilities in automation, electrical controls, and system integration. Responsibilities include leading capital equipment projects, troubleshooting complex control systems, supporting equipment installations and startups, and implementing sustainable process improvements.

The successful candidate will possess strong technical expertise in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), electrical controls, and automated manufacturing systems. This role requires a significant on-site presence on the production floor, with a practical, hands-on approach to diagnosing equipment issues and delivering effective engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Controls Engineering & Automation

• Design, develop, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial automation and electrical control systems to support manufacturing operations.

• Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, machine control, and system integration issues directly on the production floor.

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs and HMI applications to improve equipment functionality, reliability, and performance.

• Evaluate automated equipment, control systems, sensors, drives, and industrial communication networks to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Interpret electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and system documentation to support troubleshooting, equipment modifications, and system upgrades.

• Collaborate with Maintenance and Operations personnel to identify recurring equipment issues and implement effective, long-term corrective actions.

• Support the integration of new automation technologies and equipment into existing production processes.

Project Engineering & Equipment Implementation

• Lead and coordinate controls, automation, equipment improvement, and capital investment projects from initial planning through implementation and commissioning.

• Develop technical solutions for new production applications and modifications to existing manufacturing equipment.

• Coordinate equipment installation, startup, testing, commissioning, and performance verification to ensure successful implementation.

• Work with equipment suppliers, system integrators, contractors, and internal stakeholders to establish project requirements and deliver solutions that meet operational objectives.

• Assist with evaluating equipment specifications, technical proposals, and system capabilities to support engineering and capital expenditure decisions.

• Monitor project progress, address technical challenges, and help ensure projects meet established requirements for quality, safety, schedule, and performance.

• Provide hands-on technical support during equipment launches, production transitions, and other critical implementation activities.

Manufacturing Support & Continuous Improvement

• Spend the majority of working time on the manufacturing floor supporting production equipment, automation systems, and process improvements.

• Conduct root cause analysis of equipment failures, recurring downtime, and controls-related performance issues.

• Implement corrective and preventive solutions designed to improve equipment uptime, reliability, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness.

• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and other departments to identify production challenges and prioritize engineering improvements.

• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and recommend opportunities to increase automation, reduce inefficiencies, and improve operational consistency.

• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to production and maintenance personnel.

• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including control system modifications, equipment configurations, and project records.

• Support a culture of safety, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• Minimum of three years of hands-on electrical engineering experience in a manufacturing, industrial automation, or related technical environment.

• Demonstrated experience programming, troubleshooting, and modifying PLC-based control systems.

• Experience working with HMI applications, machine controls, and industrial automation technologies.

• Familiarity with industrial sensors, motor drives, control components, and industrial communication networks.

• Ability to diagnose complex equipment and controls issues in an active manufacturing environment.

• Willingness and ability to work extensively on the production floor, performing hands-on troubleshooting, equipment diagnostics, and startup support.

• Strong understanding of automated equipment functionality and the integration of control systems within manufacturing processes.

• Experience managing engineering projects, coordinating technical activities, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

• Ability to interpret technical documentation, electrical schematics, and control system diagrams.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.

• Excellent communication and organizational abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.

• Self-directed work style with a practical, solutions-oriented approach to engineering challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with industrial system integration, machine automation, and process control applications.

• Familiarity with electrical schematics, control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and control system architecture.

• Experience in packaging, liquid processing, converting, consumer goods manufacturing, or similar production environments.

• Mechanical aptitude and an understanding of industrial machinery, machine design, and production equipment functionality.

• Experience coordinating with external equipment manufacturers, automation vendors, and system integrators.

• Background in commissioning new equipment, optimizing existing production lines, and implementing manufacturing process improvements.

Work Environment & Schedule

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Port Washington, Wisconsin, with a standard Monday–Friday schedule. Flexibility may be required to support critical project implementations, equipment installations, production startups, and urgent troubleshooting needs.

The role is primarily based on the manufacturing floor rather than in a traditional office setting. The Project Engineer will work closely with production operators, maintenance technicians, engineering colleagues, management, and external vendors to resolve technical challenges and improve manufacturing performance.

The ideal candidate enjoys being actively involved in equipment operation and troubleshooting, takes ownership of technical challenges, and is motivated to deliver practical automation solutions that produce measurable improvements in safety, quality, reliability, and productivity.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.