Electrical and Controls Engineer - East Chicago

Electrical And Controls Engineer

The Electrical and Controls Engineer for the Ozinga East Chicago Grinding Mill is responsible for the basic design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of electrical and control systems that support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This role partners closely with operations, maintenance, and leadership teams to optimize equipment performance, minimize downtime, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The Electrical and Controls Engineer will lead troubleshooting efforts, support capital projects, and drive process improvements that enhance production capability and long-term asset reliability while upholding Ozinga's commitment to safety, service, and operational excellence.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all plant electrical and control systems, ensuring compliance with company safety standards and applicable electrical codes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and automation issues involving power distribution systems, MCCs, VFDs, large motors, and field instrumentation.
• Program, maintain, and optimize Siemens PLC systems using TIA Portal and related platforms to support process stability and production targets.
• Configure and maintain Siemens motor management systems, including SIMOCODE, to enhance motor protection, diagnostics, and reliability.
• Partner with maintenance and operations teams to perform root cause analysis on equipment failures and implement corrective and preventive solutions.
• Assist with calibration, setup, and commissioning of instrumentation including pressure, temperature, flow, and level devices.
• Maintain and update electrical drawings, control schematics, and documentation to ensure accuracy and long term asset integrity.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and continuous improvement through data analysis, automation enhancements, and reliability initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance to plant personnel and support training efforts related to control systems and electrical best practices.
• Support occasional off hour troubleshooting and plant outages as required to maintain operational continuity.

Global Responsibilities:

• Regular attendance and physical presence at work are essential functions of this position.
• This job may require additional duties not listed above and the employee may be asked to perform those duties to meet business needs.

Qualifications:

Education/Specialized Knowledge/Professional Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field
• Valid driver's license required
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in an industrial environment
• Knowledge of cement and concrete products preferred

Preferred, but not Required:

• Possess basic knowledge in PLC architecture, installations, and maintenance practices
• Ability to read and interpret manuals, parts catalogs, electrical/control schematics as they apply
• Possess basic knowledge of NFPA-70 (NEC) and NFPA 70E (ARC Flash & Electrical Safety)

Experience:

• 0-5 years of relevant industrial experience
• Previous internship or hands-on plant experience strongly preferred
• Experience or coursework involving industrial power distribution, motor controls, and MCCs
• Familiarity with VFDs, soft starters, and large motor applications
• Working knowledge of Siemens motor control platforms, including SIMOCODE
• Understanding of single-line diagrams, control schematics, and panel layouts
• Basic knowledge of arc flash, NFPA 70E, and electrical safety principles
• Industrial work environment experience preferred

Working Conditions:

• Operates within a fast-paced environment
• Exposed to moving mechanical parts, vehicles, heavy construction equipment, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outside weather conditions
• Noise level is usually moderate, but can be high and requires personal hearing protection on occasion at job sites, plants, and laboratories
• Must be able to work through stressful situations while maintaining professionalism and composure
• Local travel required – may also require occasional domestic travel

At Ozinga, we care about the well-being of our team members both in and out of the workplace. That's why we're proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and overall quality of life. Our benefits include: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Protecting your health and providing peace of mind. Retirement Plan Options – Helping you build a secure future. Voluntary Benefits – Helping you to cover unexpected expenses. Work-Life Balance – Supporting flexibility so you can thrive in every area of your life. Employee Assistance Program – Offering confidential support for personal and professional challenges. Wellness Program – Promoting a healthy lifestyle through resources and incentives. We believe that when our co-workers feel their best, they can do their best. Join us and experience the difference of working for a company that values you! Ozinga is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applications for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, veteran status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.