Maintenance Controls Engineer

The Maintenance Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, programming, troubleshooting, and improving industrial electrical control systems that support plant operations. This position assists with maintenance and repair of facility equipment, provides technical support for automation and control systems, and helps ensure all plants assets operate safely and efficiently.

The Maintenance Controls Engineer will also provide training and guidance to maintenance personnel and support continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have experience with industrial electrical systems, PLC programming, automation controls, and preventive maintenance, preferably within a recycling, manufacturing, or industrial environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program, troubleshoot, and maintain Allen-Bradley PLC-5, SLC-500, Control. Logix, and Compact. Logix PLC hardware and software. Program, configure, and troubleshoot VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives). Design, maintain, implement, and improve electrical instruments, facilities, components, equipment, and systems used in industrial operations.

Perform engineering and technical tasks utilizing computer-assisted design (CAD) and engineering software. Prepare electrical system specifications, technical drawings, and related documentation to ensure installations and operations comply with applicable standards and requirements. Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical, automation, and control system issues.

Read and interpret electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and instrumentation schematics. Perform maintenance, repair, and replacement of pumps, valves, motors, conveyors, belts, drives, gearboxes, and chain-driven equipment. Inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain automated machinery and production equipment. Utilize precision measuring instruments, including feeler gauges, depth gauges, tension gauges, spring gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators to verify equipment tolerances and specifications.

Operate forklifts and other industrial equipment safely and effectively. Ensure all work is performed in accordance with company safety policies, quality standards, and applicable regulations, including the National Electrical Code. Work cooperatively with maintenance personnel, contractors, supervisors, and other departments to support plant operations.

Train and mentor less experienced maintenance employees on electrical, controls, and maintenance best practices. Follow all company policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned. EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent training in Electrical Technology, Instrumentation, Automation, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.

Minimum three (3) years of experience in industrial electrical maintenance, controls, automation, or a related field preferred. Working knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC-5, SLC-500, Control. Logix, and Compact. Logix systems preferred. Experience programming, configuring, and troubleshooting VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives).

Knowledge of applicable electrical, engineering, and safety codes, including the National Electrical Code (NEC). Proficiency with engineering design, drafting, and calculation software, including AutoCAD and EPLAN preferred. Experience with predictive and preventive maintenance programs. Knowledge of plant operations, production maintenance, machine shop practices, and industrial manufacturing environments.

Strong understanding of fabrication, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and electronic principles. Experience repairing and replacing pumps, valves, motors, conveyors, belts, drives, gearboxes, and chain-driven equipment. Ability to read and interpret electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and instrumentation schematics, blueprints, and technical drawings.

Advanced knowledge of automated machinery and industrial control systems. Millwright, pipefitting, and welding experience preferred. Proactive, self-motivated team player with strong engineering judgment, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and specifications. Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and other applicable regulatory requirements related to manufacturing and plant operations. Ability to communicate effectively with employees, contractors, vendors, and management.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including exposure to noise, heat, and machinery. May require lifting to 50 pounds occasionally. Full-time, with flexibility to address operational needs during non-standards hours.