Controls Engineer I

COMPANY OVERVIEW

JTI is a growing, progressive, and team-oriented company rooted in family values. We know that our employees are our number one asset. We not only encourage, but foster an environment that promotes professional growth, internal promotions, continuing education, and a safe work environment.

We are proud to employ a team of dedicated professionals with expertise in electrical construction, mechanical fabrication and installation, engineering, and controls and automation fields who are leaders in their disciplines. We strive to be an excellent strategic partner for clients, providing solutions and adding value to their businesses.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Controls Engineer I must be able to use a foundational understanding of electrical engineering to participate in the design and implementation of electrical control systems for machines and industrial processes, utilizing knowledge of electricity, industrial hardware, and industrial software. They will confer with their supervisor and engineering department to review functional requirements of machines and processes in order to program, commission, and provide support on automation projects.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in the design, configuration, and maintenance of control systems.
• Collaborate with senior engineers in programming PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems and related project tasks.
• Participate in troubleshooting and resolving simple control system issues.
• Participate in the documentation of control system designs and changes.
• Support the development and testing of software applications and interfaces.
• Support project teams in meeting deadlines and project goals.
• Plan logic system for functions such as sequence and timing control.
• Learn and adhere to industry standards and safety regulations.
• Document technical data and project progress.
• Reviews schematics with customer's representatives to answer questions during installation of control systems.
• May confer with panel builders and electricians to resolve problems regarding controls systems.
• Be able to quickly understand manufacturing processes and develop functional specifications and control schemes to control these processes, which may include: process control, batching, machine control, motion control, and safety systems.
• Support in basic Allen Bradley PLC programming
• Support in basic HMI/SCADA programming with software such as FactoryTalk ME and Ignition.
• Assist in testing control panels and automation systems.
• Perform on-site troubleshooting.
• Perform on-site I/O Checkout and System Startup.
• Be able to travel to customer sites.
• Be able to work extra hours, including some weekends, according to project needs.
• Work under close supervision with opportunities to develop programming skills.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assign and prioritize tasks based on team capabilities and project requirements.
• Provide hands-on guidance and mentorship to team members.
• Monitor individual and team performance, offering constructive feedback. Ensure feedback is being shared with management
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and project timelines.
• Foster a collaborative and positive team environment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for team-related issues.
• Communicate essential information to employees and management
• Review and approve time daily and timecards weekly or by deadlines for accuracy

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, Chemical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering.
• 0-2 Years of Controls Engineering experience.
• Good communication skills, which includes verbal skills, interpersonal skills, and technical writing.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Customer care oriented.
• Good computer skills and easily able to learn new technologies.
• Well organized, and able to manage time wisely.
• Basic understanding of PLC programming and HMI design.
• Basic understanding of industrial control systems and instrumentation.
• Basic understanding of industrial networking such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting skills, and attention to detail.
• Basic understanding of industrial control system documentation such as electrical one-lines, IO diagrams, and P&ID’s.

EQUIPMENT & APPLICATIONS /WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Lifting and Carrying – Frequently lifting and carrying tools, materials, and equipment, often weighing up to 25-50 lbs.
• Climbing and Balancing – Using ladders, scaffolding, and lifts to reach high areas for wiring and fixture installations.
• Crouching and Kneeling – Working in tight spaces like crawlspaces, attics, and vaults.
• Standing for Long Periods – Spending hours on their feet while wiring or troubleshooting.
• Repetitive Movements – Engaging in repeated motions such as twisting, bending at the waist, kneeling, stripping wires, twisting connections, and using hand tools continuously
• Working in Uncomfortable Positions – Holding tools or equipment overhead, reaching into confined areas, or maintaining awkward postures.
• Exposure to Weather – Working outdoors in extreme heat, cold, rain, or wind
• Hand and Finger Dexterity – Grasping objects with the use of fingers, palm and wrists to hold/and or manipulate objects (hammers, saws, pencils, pens, etc.)
• Pulling and Pushing – Pulling wires through conduits or pushing heavy equipment into place.
• Carrying Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Wearing and carrying safety gear like hard hats, gloves, harnesses, and boots.

Salary range: $100,000 - $120,000/yr, with a discretionary bonus. Final compensation will depend on skills& experience.