Industrial Controls Engineer

About us

American Paper Bag is an American owned company that is proud to offer what no other US manufacturer can: revolutionary paper shopping bags with unmatched customization options. Because we produce products with less paper that require lower shipping costs, we are environmentally friendly. We are currently experiencing rapid growth and seeking immediate help in our engineering.

The Position:

The Industrial Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, programming, supporting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving automation and control systems within the manufacturing facility. This role ensures production equipment operates safely, efficiently, and reliably by developing and maintaining PLC programs, HMIs, drives, sensors, robotics, electrical controls, and industrial networks. The Industrial Controls Engineer works closely with Maintenance, Production, Engineering, and Operations teams to design control solutions, reduce downtime, improve machine performance, support equipment upgrades, and drive continuous improvement across the facility. This position reports to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Key Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve controls, electrical, automation, and equipment-related issues on the production floor.
• Program, modify, and maintain PLC systems, HMI screens, VFDs, servo drives, sensors, and other automation equipment.
• Support manufacturing equipment including conveyors, packaging equipment, robotics, CNC machines, material handling systems, and production machinery.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, control panel drawings, wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals.
• Maintain and update PLC programs, HMI files, electrical drawings, machine documentation, and control system backups.
• Work closely with Maintenance and Production teams to minimize downtime and quickly restore equipment during breakdowns.
• Identify recurring equipment issues and support root cause analysis to improve reliability, uptime, scrap reduction, and product quality.
• Assist with automation upgrades, machine retrofits, new equipment installations, and capital improvement projects.
• Support equipment commissioning, startup, testing, troubleshooting, and validation activities.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial networks and communication systems such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, DeviceNet, or similar protocols.
• Support machine safety systems including E-stops, light curtains, safety relays, interlocks, guarding, and safety PLCs.
• Ensure equipment and control systems comply with company standards, safety procedures, OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout practices, and applicable electrical codes.
• Collaborate with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to complete controls-related projects safely and on schedule.
• Improve operator interfaces, alarms, machine visibility, and data collection to support better production decision-making.
• Train and support maintenance technicians, operators, and supervisors on controls systems, troubleshooting methods, and equipment operation.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment while promoting a strong safety culture.
• All duties as assigned by management.

Position Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.

• 3–7 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, electrical maintenance, or manufacturing engineering preferred.
• Hands-on experience working in a manufacturing, packaging, food and beverage, automotive, metal fabrication, plastics, warehouse automation, or similar production environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting; experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Schneider, or similar platforms preferred.
• Experience with HMI development and troubleshooting, including PanelView, FactoryTalk View, WinCC, or similar systems.
• Familiarity with VFDs, servo drives, motors, sensors, encoders, actuators, relays, control panels, and instrumentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems, control circuits, motor controls, safety circuits, and automated production equipment.
• Strong understanding of ladder logic, industrial networking, machine automation, and electrical safety practices.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, and equipment documentation.
• Experience with robotics, vision systems, motion control, or automated material handling systems is a plus.
• Knowledge of OSHA, NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and plant safety requirements preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work under pressure during production downtime.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with operators, technicians, engineers, vendors, and management.
• Comfortable working on the production floor for extended periods and responding to urgent equipment issues.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, shutdowns, and overtime as needed.

Benefits: · 401K matching · Health, Vision, Life and Dental insurance · Paid time off · Referral Program

Pay: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person