Controls Engineer

Position Purpose

Under minimal supervision of the Controls Manager, the Controls Engineer provides control system  support, as well as leading and training staff on all standard operating procedures. This position makes recommendations to improve the control of the process or the processes themselves, while supporting, maintaining, and troubleshooting the controls systems to ensure minimal downtime.

Functional Responsibility

• Provides hands-on support, assigns daily tasks, ensures employees have proper tools and equipment, and monitors output
• Leads in a constructive manner by example; demonstrates and encourages a strong work ethic and fosters an environment of trust and respect
• Guides team in the proper use of assets and resources to avoid waste and ensure cost-effective operations
• Ensures clear communication amongst the team; follows-up on assignments to ensure accuracy and completeness    
• Informs supervisor of staffing needs
• Ensures employees conduct themselves in a safe manner and that work areas are kept clean to prevent safety hazards; immediately reports safety issues and concerns to management
• Supports change initiatives and company decisions in an effective manner
• Communicates closely with supervisor regarding employee issues, concerns, and complaints in an objective and confidential manner
• Maintains company and regulatory compliance during day-day-operations and advises supervisor of any infractions; assigns and monitors employee breaks and lunches and provides backup relief
• Provides timely feedback to employees on a daily basis and informs supervisor of team/individual performance, recognition, training needs, deficiencies, etc. 

Essential Duties

• Responsible for the direct project development and management, while working with the Controls Manager
• Leads technical team members by maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying controls systems and equipment to ensure operational performance and reliability
• Partners with Operations team members designing and commissioning solutions for difficult problems
• Acts as first level escalation support for the control system technician team and acts as the subject expert for controls related tasks
• Assists with communicating technical issues and project timelines with building leadership, operations, and the maintenance team
• Acts as the technical consultant for capital projects and assists in managing controls related items within project scopes
• Partners with internal team leadership, equipment vendors and parts suppliers to plan and coordinate installation of modern technologies
• Troubleshoots and modifies software programs for control systems, including Ignition SCADA, PLC/PC controllers, Allen Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC platform utilizing RSLogix and approved Rockwell software package, as well as Industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS-I, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
• Appropriately escalates downtime situations to vendors for support to restore equipment operation
• Monitors tasks and partners with Technicians and Mechanics to resolve equipment electrical problems that create performance deficiencies
• Explains production impacts and works closely with operations and engineering to ensure a thorough understanding of impact to systems
• Develops training plans with the Controls Manager for Control Systems Technicians

*Other duties may be assigned

Non-Essential Duties

*Other duties may be assigned

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, or equivalent working experience
• 5+ years of experience in Controls Engineering roles, preferably in the food and beverage industry working with and developing in various PLC and HMI Programming Suites (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Ignition, Automation Direct)
• Experience interpreting, editing, or developing CAD files for electrical, pneumatic, or mechanical drawings
• 1+ years experience in project management and development 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Adept at reading, writing, and implementing code that adheres to programming “Best Methods”
• Adept at troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and programming issues 
• Strong interpersonal and mentorship skills 

Certificates and Licenses

• Ignition Core Certificate or equivalent experience
• Project Management Professional Certification a plus

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing plant/production floor environment with occasional travel 
• Required to drive automotive vehicle or equipment 
• Indoor and outdoor environment with exposure to the elements/temperature variations
• Exposure to weather-related temperature & humidity extremes
• Extended Hours
• Required to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Must be able to pass fit test and perform work while wearing respirators
• Exposure to varying levels of dust, chemicals, fumes, gases, and noisy equipment 
• Occasionally may be required to lift and carry cases of wine
   

Work Standards

• Acts in a manner reflective of the Company culture of High Moral Standards, Innovation and Continuous Evolution, Trust in Team, Continuous Improvement, and Sustainable Relationships
• Communicates, interacts, and works effectively with others; receptive to feedback and coaching; voices concerns in a constructive manner
• Demonstrates commitment to safety first; communicates safety concerns; promotes a safe work environment based on established safety standards and training
• Follows all Company policies and procedures

Additional Comments

Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.