Controls Engineer I

At SWISS KRONO, our people are the driving force behind our success. With nearly 5,000 employees worldwide, we are powered by individuals who bring passion, ideas and commitment to work every day. We are proud of our motivated, loyal and high‑performing workforce—and they are proud to be part of a global leader in the wood‑based products industry.

Position Summary:

The Controls Engineer I will work with the Process Control Engineer team in the design, configuration, integration, and implementation of process control solutions for our wood products manufacturing facilities. This includes the engineering of electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, SQL, Access, and PC networking technologies.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Gain mastery in the current process, control, and reporting systems and work to continuously improve electrical/process control systems. Introduce recommended changes in control schemes to improve business unit operation.
• Combine newer technologies and extensions of current architecture.  Plan and coordinate technical design and implementation of project work.
• Monitor the operation of machinery and systems to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Work with maintenance and operational teams to support continuous improvements of assets and asset performance.
• Work as a member of the maintenance team to think strategically about downtime prevention and long-term resolution of issues while maintaining a culture of efficiency and quick reaction to downtime events.
• Respond to equipment downtime emergencies, and plan/execute plans for any recurring situations.
• Identify opportunities where condition-based monitoring can successfully predict failure.
• Provide ongoing informal and formal training for electrical personnel to ensure development of good operating and maintenance practices.
• Provide backup support to other process control and electrical supervision personnel. Provide electrical engineering support to sustain production.
• Work closely with electrical supervisors to maintain all documentation related to the process control system configuration and SOP’s. 
• Participate in planning and budgeting activities for the business unit.
• Balance day-to-day needs with long term projects.
• Ensure compliance with all standards and programs (safety, environmental, quality, maintenance, and manufacturing policies and procedures) within area of responsibility.
• Perform additional duties as required by supervisor.
• On-site attendance is essential to effectively perform the listed duties and responsibilities.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Desire to continually improve understanding of the programming of all business unit’s computerized equipment in preparation to perform timely diagnostics and repairs.
• Familiar with sensors and transmitters and theoretical and practical applications.
• Proficient using computers and associated software (MS Suite, Project, Access, SQL, CMMS, AutoCAD, Kronos) and IO Servers.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair machinery through the use of drawings, schematics, and root-cause/failure analysis.
• Strong knowledge of engineering concepts including electrical, instrumentation, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate team members and work collaboratively to complete projects as a group.
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills; ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions to complex problems.
• High level of personal integrity and ethical and professional standards.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Self-directed and motivated to complete projects without direct supervision.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and respond to callouts if needed.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, manufacturing, mechatronics or mechanical engineering, or graduating in the next 6 months.
• Manufacturing or relevant process control experience preferred.
• Working experience with PLC, HMI, or other programming languages such as VB, Python, and C#.
• Education or experience with fluid and electrical power systems.
• Senior project or internship experience in project design, installation, and startup preferred.

Environmental Conditions:

May be exposed to dust, noise, trip hazards, and variable weather and temperatures. 

Required Personal Protective Equipment:

Positions may require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at specific times. Examples of PPE which may be required include high visibility garments, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, a hard hat, and foot protection.

EEO: Swiss Krono USA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.