What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer position at BestPack?
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Bonus based on performance
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Free food & snacks
- Free uniforms
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Training & development
- Vision insurance
Key Responsibilities
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Mechanical Design
- Design mechanical components, assemblies, frames, mechanisms, pneumatic/hydraulic systems as required.
- Generate detailed drawings, 3D models (e.g. SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.), select materials, finishes, and manufacturing methods.
- Perform mechanical stress/thermal/kinematic analyses as needed.
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Controls / Automation Design
- Specify, design, program, configure, test, and commission control systems (PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, drives, etc.).
- Develop control logic, interlocks, safety features.
- Integrate mechanical components with control systems (e.g. feedback loops, motion control).
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Installation, Commissioning & Testing
- Oversee or perform machine build, wiring, panel design and assembly, installation on-site.
- Conduct machine start-ups, commissioning, debug mechanical and control issues.
- Test machines for performance, safety, compliance; debug and optimize.
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Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Improvement
- Diagnose mechanical and control-related problems in production equipment.
- Work with maintenance teams to reduce downtime, improve reliability.
- Lead continuous improvement projects (e.g. reduce cycle time, energy usage, improve quality).
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Documentation & Compliance
- Create and maintain documentation: mechanical drawings, control schematics, electrical wiring diagrams, user manuals, programming documentation.
- Ensure designs meet relevant safety, electrical, mechanical codes and standards.
- Support regulatory compliance and risk assessments (e.g. guarding, emergency stops, interlocks).
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Collaboration & Project Management
- Work with project managers to estimate costs, schedule work, define deliverables.
- Coordinate with vendors for components (electrical, mechanical) and evaluate vendor offerings.
- Communicate with other engineering disciplines (electrical, software), production, quality, and maintenance.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls/Automation, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
- Experience: Typically 3-7 years of experience in mechanical design control systems, ideally in manufacturing or packaging machinery.
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Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) for mechanical design.
- Strong PLC programming and debugging experience (e.g. Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.).
- Understanding of motion control, sensors, drives/VFDs.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings.
- Knowledge of safety standards (e.g. OSHA, NFPA, relevant local & industry standards).
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Desired Skills & Attributes:
- Strong problem‐solving skills and attention to detail.
- Good communication skills, able to work cross‐departmentally.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines.
- Practical, hands‐on mindset; comfortable working both at desk (design) and shop/field (commissioning, troubleshooting).
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Optional / Nice to Have:
- Experience with robotics, vision systems.
- Familiarity with SCADA / networked control systems.
- Experience with predictive maintenance, data analytics.
Working Conditions & Other Info
- May require travel to customer / installation sites.
- On-site work in production / machinery shop, occasionally lifting/moving heavy components, climbing, working at heights or in confined spaces as required.
- Standard hours, but possible overtime for project deadlines or emergency repairs.
Performance Metrics / KPIs
- Machine uptime / reliability improvements.
- Successful completion of design & control projects on time and within budget.
- Reduction in mechanical or control failures / breakdowns.
- Improvements in cycle time, throughput, efficiency.
- Safety compliance, incident rates related to design & controls.
Salary : $90,000 - $115,000