What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Controls Engineer position at Blue Signal Search?
Automation Controls Engineer
On-site | Appleton, WI • Sheboygan, WI
Our client is a global manufacturer that is modernizing its Mid-West operations with advanced automation and Industry 4.0 initiatives. They are expanding the engineering team with an Automation Controls Engineer who will own full-cycle controls projects—from early requirements through commissioning—across two high-speed flexible-packaging plants. This is a hands-on role with high visibility, direct access to senior leadership, and a clear technical growth path.
What You Will Do
- Lead automation projects from concept through start-up, delivering safe, reliable, cost-effective machine and process controls solutions.
- Gather requirements from production, maintenance, safety, and quality teams, then create complete engineering-package documentation (drawings, bill of materials, functional specs, FAT/SAT plans).
- Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, servo, VFD, and edge-device architectures, integrating sensors, vision, and robotics into high-speed packaging lines.
- Manage vendors and procurement—evaluate suppliers, generate purchase orders, track deliveries, and ensure equipment meets scope and schedule.
- Track budgets and timelines, report project status, and proactively remove roadblocks to hit milestones.
- Drive continuous improvement through kaizen events, data analytics, and root-cause problem solving to boost OEE and reduce unplanned downtime.
- Support installation, start-up, and operator training on-site, with up to 30 percent travel to sister facilities as needed.
What You Will Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Automation Engineering, or related field.
- 3 years of professional experience in industrial automation, machine controls, or advanced manufacturing (co-op or internship experience counts).
- Proficiency with Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs, HMI development, industrial networking, and common protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, I/O-Link, etc.).
- Working knowledge of NFPA 79, OSHA machine-safety standards, lean / six-sigma tools, and capital-project management.
- Strong communication and documentation skills; able to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
- Self-starter mindset with a passion for learning new technologies and mentoring peers.
Why Join
- Competitive salary, annual bonus eligibility, and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match).
- Defined professional-development roadmap with tuition assistance and industry-certification support.
- Opportunity to shape the automation strategy for two flagship facilities undergoing significant capital investment.
- Collaborative culture that values safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
About Blue Signal:
Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS