Electrical Engineer

Summary: The Electrical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining automation and electrical control systems throughout the plant. This role manages control-related engineering projects to improve production efficiency, system reliability, and overall operational safety.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, program, and integrate PLC, HMI, and SCADA control systems to meet production specifications and automation goals.
• Troubleshoot complex automation, control, and electrical system issues alongside electricians and maintenance staff to minimize machine downtime.
• Recommend, plan, and execute process automation and control upgrade projects, including cost estimation and budgeting.
• Produce, update, and maintain electrical schematic diagrams, control panel layouts, and system documentation using AutoCAD.
• Oversee and coordinate the efforts of electrical, instrumentation, and controls contractors completing projects throughout the plant.
• Work with vendors and contractors to ensure automation projects are completed within specifications, on time, and within budget.
• Collaborate with mechanical and process engineers to optimize manufacturing efficiency, material transfer systems, and plant layout.
• Ensure all control panel designs and field installations comply with industry standards, electrical codes, and company food safety policies.
• Complete special projects assigned by the Electrical Engineering Supervisor or Maintenance and Engineering Manager.
• Develop and execute long-term upgrade plans for legacy control systems and panels to modernize plant operations.
• Support and educate the maintenance team.

Education & Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, or an Associate degree with equivalent practical experience 5+ years of equivalent practical experience.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong experience in PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial automation control design. (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Industrial project management experience with an emphasis on production process control and automation.
• Proficient with AutoCAD or electrical drafting software for creating and reading schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting ability for electrical systems, industrial networks, sensors, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Food industry or high-speed packaging experience is preferred but not required.

Physical & Behavioral:

• Regularly required to sit for long periods doing office tasks on a computer.
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to inspect equipment on the production floor, climb, reach, crouch, or kneel.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work in plant conditions that may include varying temperatures and humidity.
• Kikkoman expects all employees to behave and communicate in a manner which will facilitate good relations with customers, clients, co-workers, and supervisors; maintaining a positive work atmosphere.