Project Engineer - Controls & Electrical

About Americhem

Americhem is a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds, and performance technologies. Our business is built around delivering Performance, Solutions, and Trust through close collaboration with customers seeking to optimize their polymer products. All of our products are backed by complete technical support that ensures quality, reliability, and value.

Position Summary

Americhem is seeking a hands-on and technically strong Project Engineer - Controls & Electrical to support the design, implementation, and commissioning of industrial automation and electrical systems across our manufacturing facilities. This role will focus heavily on PLC programming, electrical controls design, automation integration, and plant process improvements.

The Project Engineer will partner closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and external vendors to execute capital projects, troubleshoot manufacturing systems, improve equipment reliability, and support continuous improvement initiatives. This position plays a key role in supporting operational efficiency, equipment performance, and automation standardization across the organization. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, working directly in manufacturing environments, and leading projects from concept through startup.

Key Responsibilities

Controls & Automation Engineering

• Design, program, and implement industrial control systems for manufacturing equipment and processes
• Develop and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA programs utilizing platforms such as Allen Bradley, Siemens, or similar systems
• Troubleshoot and resolve controls-related issues impacting plant operations and equipment performance
• Lead automation improvement initiatives focused on increasing reliability, reducing downtime, and improving production efficiency
• Support integration of new equipment into existing plant control systems
• Develop electrical schematics, control narratives, and technical system documentation
• Support standardization of controls architecture and automation systems across manufacturing facilities

Project Engineering & Execution

• Lead engineering projects from concept through commissioning and startup
• Define project scope, technical requirements, budgets, and project schedules
• Coordinate activities with vendors, contractors, operations teams, and maintenance personnel
• Manage installation, startup, and validation activities for new equipment and automation systems
• Track project progress and communicate updates to engineering and plant leadership
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget

Manufacturing & Process Support

• Support plant operations with troubleshooting of manufacturing process and equipment issues
• Analyze equipment and process performance to identify opportunities for improvement
• Assist with implementation of process optimization initiatives and new technologies
• Collaborate with plant leadership on operational initiatives and continuous improvement activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Chemical, Mechanical, or related field) or equivalent experience
• 3-8 years of engineering experience within manufacturing environments
• Experience with PLC programming and industrial control systems
• Experience supporting plant operations, manufacturing systems, or process automation
• Prior project engineering or project leadership experience preferred
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, and electrical controls design strongly preferred

Technical Skills

• PLC programming experience utilizing Rockwell Software applications including:
  • RS Logix 500
  • RS Logix 5000
  • Studio 5000
  • RSView32
  • FactoryTalk View
  • RSNetworx
• HMI/SCADA systems
• Industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.)
• Electrical controls design and troubleshooting
• Process analysis and continuous improvement
• Root cause analysis and problem solving
• Project management and vendor coordination

Desired Attributes

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Hands-on engineering mindset with the ability to work effectively in plant environments
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Self-driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational excellence

Additional Information

• Travel required to support domestic and international manufacturing facilities as needed (estimated 40-60%)