Automation Controls Engineer

Automation Controls Engineer – Ozinga

Summary:

The Automation Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, programming, building, installing, and maintaining plant automated systems with guidance from the Electrical Automation Manager. This position performs various functions related to electrical controls, troubleshooting, and new installations while periodically instructing and guiding other maintenance and plant personnel. The engineer collaborates with Operations personnel to optimize plant operations.

$91,000.00/yr – $/yr

Annual Bonus

Mokena, IL (Open to Northern IL/Southern WI for suitable candidates)

• Programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, and industrial PCs for a variety of industrial automation scenarios.
• Control box design, build, test, install, and maintain.
• Design electrical control solutions based on custom requirements using the latest version of AutoCAD.
• Create functional descriptions, flow charts, and control narratives for automation systems and adaptations.
• Analyze overall plant systems and operations to ensure proper functionality.
• Perform electrical preventative maintenance and troubleshooting in a systematic manner.
• Plan, direct, and record periodic electrical testing; recommend modification or replacement of equipment that fails to meet operating standards.
• Install and repair wiring and small conduit, including bending and threading conduit per accepted codes and NEC standards.
• Monitor inventory part levels to ensure timely availability of product.
• Use electrical instrumentation, process controls, relay logic, and control circuits to wire, configure, and maintain motor control circuits (including Soft Starts and Variable Frequency Drives).
• Instruct and supervise personnel and/or contractors on project installations, ensuring compliance with all safety rules and procedures, and reporting and correcting unsafe actions or conditions promptly.
• Respond to emergency calls as directed.
• Create and/or file written reports, including schematics for new or modified systems and requested work estimates.

• Regular attendance and physical presence at work is an essential function.
• Additional duties may be required to meet business needs.

• Education:
  
  High‑school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred.
• Special Education/Training: PLC training and experience, college or vocational.
• Experience:
  
  5+ years in an industrial setting with 110 V/208 V and 480 V; knowledge in PLC architecture, programming, installations, and maintenance practices.
• Ability to read and interpret manuals, parts catalogs, electrical/control schematics.
• Basic knowledge of NFPA‑70 (NEC) and NFPA 70E (ARC Flash & Electrical Safety).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Self‑starter with sense of urgency.
• Commitment to Ozinga values.

• Work with safety as a priority to create a safe work environment.
• Ability to work reasonable overtime and off‑hour occasions as requested.
• Demonstrate a sense of urgency and self‑starter attitude.
• Strong inter‑personal and communication skills.
• Encompass the values of Ozinga.

• Fast‑paced environment.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, vehicles, heavy construction equipment, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions.
• Noise level moderate to high, requiring personal hearing protection on occasion.
• Must manage stressful situations while maintaining professionalism.
• Local travel required; potential short‑duration long‑distance travel.

• Stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
• Sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl occasionally.
• Stand, move on uneven and unpaved ground while managing concrete delivery.
• Vision: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, adjust focus.
• Operate buttons, levers, and other controls located on equipment.
• Work flexible hours as necessary.
• Maneuver in and around plants, yards and job sites as necessary.
• Lift/carry up to 55 lb frequently; up to 100 lb occasionally.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Retirement Plan Options.
• Voluntary Benefits.
• Work‑Life Balance support.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness Program.

Ozinga is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applications for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.