Senior Controls Engineer

Description

Position Summary

As a Controls Engineer at Alkar, you’ll design the latest automation control systems while collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service. We’re looking for someone who has a strong technical background and versatility who can shift gears when priorities change, help others, and grow alongside a company that’s still innovating after 100+ years.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the controls scope for complex equipment projects from initial requirements and system architecture through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
• Develop clear, maintainable control strategies for process systems, sequencing, PID loops, drives, motion, instrumentation, machine safety, and equipment integration.
• Translate customer specifications and internal requirements into defined controls deliverables, functional descriptions, I/O requirements, and test plans.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for difficult troubleshooting, root-cause investigation, and resolution of controls issues in the factory, remotely, and at customer sites.
• Review electrical schematics, panel designs, controls documentation, and code for safety, accuracy, maintainability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Improve programming standards, reusable code, system architecture, version control, documentation, and commissioning practices across the Controls team.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to controls engineers, electrical designers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and field-service personnel.
• Work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Project Management, and Field Service to identify risks early and deliver complete, reliable systems.
• Support customer startups and commissioning, with travel generally limited to up to 10%.

What Sets Alkar Apart

ALKAR combines the stability of a 100-year-old equipment manufacturer with a genuine opportunity to help modernize how complex control systems are designed, programmed, tested, and commissioned. This is not a maintenance-only or narrowly defined programming position. Your work will be visible in large, custom machines that move from concept to fabrication, factory testing, installation, and production.

• Technical influence — Help define the standards, architecture, tools, and practices that guide future controls projects.
• Full-system ownership — See the result of your decisions in complete equipment rather than owning only one small portion of a system.
• Low travel for an OEM role — Travel is generally limited to up to 10%, with most development, testing, and support performed from our Lodi facility or remotely.
• Direct access to the equipment — Work alongside the people designing, building, wiring, testing, and supporting the systems you program.
• Investment and modernization — Join a company actively investing in its people, equipment, engineering capability, and manufacturing technology.
• Flexible scheduling — We provide reasonable flexibility in work hours while maintaining the collaboration needed to support projects and factory testing.
• Stability with meaningful work — Our equipment supports food producers around the world, and long employee tenures are common throughout ALKAR.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• You enjoy solving problems and hands-on troubleshooting.
• Adaptable and dependable; you adjust to a dynamic environment without losing focus or quality.]
• Collaborative by nature—able to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams, willing to support colleagues when needed.
• Highly organized with attention to detail
• Effective communicator—clear and professional verbal and written skills.  
• Aligned with a culture built on trust, longevity, and doing things the right way—not just the fast way.
• Familiarity with servo motion control, multi-system integration, and OT networking is a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based, with occasional work on the shop floor or at customer sites.
• Environments may include temperature-controlled areas (heated or refrigerated).
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs may be required.

Requirements

• Typically 7+ years of experience designing and programming industrial control systems for automated machinery, OEM equipment, or systems-integration projects. Exceptional demonstrated capability may substitute for years of experience.
• Strong proficiency with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens experience is beneficial but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop, debug, and commission complete control systems—not only modify existing programs.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks and communication protocols, particularly EtherNet/IP.
• Experience with process control, VFDs, servo motion, safety PLCs, instrumentation, and multi-system integration.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and technical controls documentation.
• Ability to manage several active projects while communicating priorities, risks, and technical decisions clearly.
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent technical training and experience.
• Commitment to safe design, reliable execution, quality, and doing the work correctly—not simply getting it done quickly.