Demo

Controls Engineer

Hearthside Food Solutions LLC
Kentwood, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 8/31/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/1/2026
Job Summary:
The Controls Engineer is an Engineering Services support position, responsible for the continuous improvement and support of new and existing technical solutions. The role works directly with Engineering, Maintenance, IT, and Operations to ensure technical solutions continue to evolve with the business and manufacturing process. Constant focus on maximizing equipment intelligence, safety and efficiency while looking for ways to minimize repetitive human interactions. Resource that will work with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, IT, and OEMs' to ensure networking standards and requirements are followed. Aid in the development and continuous improvement of current Electrical standards and best practices.

This role is remote with travel and support to all sites within the network wherever the need may be, with primary focus to initially be in the Chicagoland area. This individual can reside near a plant located in the Chicago area, McComb, OH, Grand Rapids, MI or Michigan City, IN.

Job Duties:
Drive continuous improvement in all smart plant and equipment objectives
Design control systems that provide instantaneous feedback to operators and supervisors
Work with OT Support Engineer and maintenance to create user applications to monitor and control production processes
Assist Plant Engineering team with electrical engineering design and review for new and existing equipment installations
Industrial Controller (PLC) programming and Human Machine Interface (HMI) design, development, and troubleshooting
Wonderware System Platform development and troubleshooting
Provide formal and informal training on OT systems as system changes are implemented
Develop and maintain asset registers for each site related to OT systems
Expose data from new and existing sensors for MES data collection
Automation system support, development, and troubleshooting (Robotics, Vision, Gantry, Storage, etc.)
Develop and support OT Disaster Recovery processes and procedures
Travel up to, but not limited to 50% as required to support other sites
Maintain up to date passport for travel outside of the USA as required

Required Competencies & Knowledge:
Knowledge of:
Baking, and food processing equipment
Rotating machinery; Servo motors, AC induction motors, and DC motors
Robotics and integrated systems
Project Management Methodologies
Other non-standard controls software, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi,
CMMS
AutoCAD
Visio

Skill in:
Electrical to include; AC/DC theory, transformers, power supplies, VFD(s), AC/DC motor starters/controls, relay logic, EIP networking
Ladder logic code development
PID loop logic
Allen Bradley controls platforms; RS Logix 500, 5000, Panel builder, and Studio 5000
AutoCAD electrical drawing development
High and low voltage troubleshooting
Intermediate to advanced excel
Financial analysis and budgeting
Leadership and strong communication skills
Gantt chart development
Project management
Presentation skills

Ability to:
Design new electrical schematics using AutoCAD electrical
Work with vendors and internal team to identify correct products for our machinery
Generate bill of materials and project related documentation
Generate PLC and HMI programs for process and packaging machinery
Review electrical drawings/schematics and provide feedback to the team related to corrections and or revisions needed to accomplish end goal of the process
Assist in operational checkout of machinery as required for FAT/SAT
Development of operating and user manuals as required for new and existing processes
Troubleshoot existing machinery and production lines
Use AB and Siemens motion control software
Communicate cross-functionally to gain alignment of goals and objectives related to project
Coach/Mentor project team members as necessary
Perform financial analysis as it relates to ROI, Payback, IRR, as well as budget development, budget tracking and financial close-out
Convert older/obsolete controls components, PLCs', HMIs', VFDs', Servos'
Manage projects and work with limited supervision
Exercise independent judgment

Proficiency in:
MS Office Suite specifically; Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Allen Bradley controls platforms; RS Logix 500, 5000, Panel builder, and Studio 5000
AutoCAD

Work Environment:
Work is primarily done in a manufacturing setting at eight (8) to twelve (12) hour shifts
Continuous production environment exposure, which includes: noise, dust, moving machinery, fork lifts and fluctuations in temperature

Physical Requirements:
Standing for extended periods of time
Stand, walk and climb stairs on a frequent basis
Must be able to lift 100 pounds on an infrequent basis

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in engineering preferred or work-related experience
5 or more years' experience with Allen Bradley controls platforms; RS Logix 500, 5000, Panel builder, and Studio 5000
Minimum 3 years' experience in project engineering
Minimum 3 years' experience in project management
Minimum 3 years' experience in AutoCAD
Minimum 3 years' experience in food experience preferred
Familiarity with and knowledge of IT infrastructure

The pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $85,788 -$128,682/year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.

This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure they are legally authorized to work in the location to which they apply.

#LI-MA1

Maker's Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $85,788 - $128,682

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