Senior Controls Engineer - Packaging

Senior Controls Engineer - Packaging (1701170)    $130k per year

Northlake, IL

Full Time; Direct Hire

Senior Controls Engineer leads the design, development, and optimization of electrical control systems for advanced industrial packaging equipment. This role involves programming, implementing, and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, and associated control components to ensure the reliable operation of manufacturing machinery.

The Senior Controls Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, enhance system performance, and ensure compliance with industry standards. This position reports directly to the North America Head of Equipment and plays a critical role in advancing automation initiatives across the organization.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead, coordinate, and guide technical and non-technical personnel in timely field repairs of industrial filling equipment.
• Program, install, calibrate, test and perform preventative maintenance on electrical controls systems and components for industrial equipment, including servos, RTD’s and pneumatic devices. 
• Troubleshoot, and optimize controls systems for deployed filling equipment, including unit replacement, electrical wiring, PLC programming and systems upgrades.
• Oversee the integration of automated filling machinery with auxiliary equipment, ensuring seamless communication and functionality per specifications.
• Interpret and utilize maintenance manuals, schematics, and wiring diagrams to for equipment repairs, assembly, disassembly, and validation. 
• Collaborate with engineering teams, business development, clients, and management to plan deployments, address issues, and communicate status updates effectively. Prepare and maintain rigorous and accurate reports of system failure, service history, and equipment conditions.
• Lead and manage external contractors and vendor relationships as needed. Design, implement, and document electrical control components, including PLCs, PCs, drives (AC, DC, and servo), and HMI equipment, primarily in a Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) environment.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including P&ID diagrams, schematics, AutoCAD drawings, and project management records.
• Research, design, and implement state-of-the-art technology to enhance equipment performance and develop new systems.
• Direct modifications and upgrades of existing equipment through project planning, implementation, qualification, and training.
• Ensure all work adheres to applicable codes and standards, including NEC and OSHA

Key Competencies:

• Electrical Systems Expertise – Proficiency in designing, programming, and maintaining advanced electrical control systems and components.
• Automation and Equipment Mastery – Deep understanding of industrial packaging equipment, including PLCs, HMIs, servos, and auxiliary systems.
• Troubleshooting and Problem Solving – Exceptional ability to diagnose, resolve, and prevent technical issues in complex systems.
• Process Optimization – Expertise in analyzing, designing, and implementing solutions to improve system performance and efficiency.
• Project Management – Skill in planning, executing, and managing multiple projects, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to specifications.
• Technical Documentation – Proficiency in creating and maintaining technical drawings, schematics, and reports using tools such as AutoCAD.
• Collaboration and Communication – Strong ability to work with cross-functional teams, vendors, and clients, ensuring clear and effective communication.
• Accountability and Reliability – Demonstrated commitment to delivering high-quality results and meeting organizational goals.
• Time Management and Organization – Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuous Learning and Innovation – Dedication to staying current with industry trends and applying innovative solutions to improve systems and processes.

Education:

At least a 2-year technical degree is required. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college or university is preferred.

Work Experience and/or Skills:

• At least one year of experience troubleshooting complex issues in servo programming, electrical systems, mechanical systems, and pneumatic machinery required.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley), including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and Studio 5000 programming.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and experience developing and interpreting technical schematics.
• Familiarity with NEC, OSHA, and other relevant regulatory and safety standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel is required.
• Experience integrating automation systems with auxiliary equipment and configuring network communications.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively in client-facing roles and cross-functional teams.

Environment:

• Works out of HQ office located in Northlake, Illinois.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed, including accommodating customers’ production and maintenance schedules.
• Travel: 30% field travel with occasional international travel required.

UPON APPLYING: 

You’ll likely receive a chatbot with basic questions, then upon receiving your timely answers it’s possible that you’ll receive additional outreach of emails, texts and/or telephone calls from our recruiting firm if you’re being considered for this or another similar position. Upon their recommendations after having discussed the position with you, it can lead to phone, virtual, and face-to-face conversations, and interviews with hiring managers at the company.

If the job description, location, and compensation, align with your qualifications, we encourage you to apply. To explore additional opportunities, visit our website job board: confidentsearchconsultants.com 

Confident Search Consultants, a division of Confident Staffing, specializes in connecting engineers and qualified professionals with exceptional career opportunities across the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Employees and applicants are provided a full and fair opportunity for employment, career advancement, and access to programs without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, or parental status, and will not be discriminated against for any other legally protected group or status.

Salary : $130,000