Controls Engineer

Overview

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high‑quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

Summary:

Designs, coordinates, and executes electrical and automation projects required to support ADS Manufacturing. Lead electrical upgrades and new installations. Provide technical support to all ADS facilities remotely and onsite. Identifies opportunities for automation including robotics, data collection, energy savings, improve efficiencies, safety & etc. Ensures that all automated systems meet required functions and production needs. Works closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Machine Tool Operation, Plant Services, Plant Maintenance, and Production personnel to scope, develop, and install new and rebuilt systems.

Primary

Job Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Works closely with the Production and Engineering teams to ensure all work meets the needs of the key stakeholders

• Designs large electrical enclosures, sub‑panel layouts, and wiring diagrams to align with UL/CUL/CSA certifications and NFPA
  79 wiring standards. Review other engineer’s designs.
• Performs Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) on large electrical panels and electrical equipment

• Works with project originators, as needed, to ensure the scope of work is properly defined and the sequence of operation is captured

• Maintains software, programs, drawings, and files by keeping them current and accurate

• Develops electrical panel designs and conducts panel design reviews with team

• Works with the various Operations teams to schedule, coordinate, and install equipment and equipment upgrades

• Writes PLC, HMI, Drive & etc. programs for the various assigned projects. Expert level PLC programmer.

• Provide startup training on Controls that is easily understood at the production operator and plant maintenance levels

• Creates the necessary bill of materials.

• Travel in US and Canada, anticipated travel requirements 35%

• Provide local and remote support to the plants. Subject matter expert for electrical and controls support.

• Lead acceptance testing and debugging of equipment from OEM’s

• Conducts the necessary machine & panel acceptance testing based on the scope of work required

• Lead Controls Upgrade Projects
• Manage installation contractors
• Mentor other Controls Engineers

Job

Skills:

This position should possess the following skills/knowledge:

• Strong organizational, analytical, & systematic problem‑solving skills
• Experience using Microsoft Office Applications (Teams, One Note, Office, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to communicate at all levels of the organization
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment
• Self‑motivated with a proven track record of bringing projects in on‑time and within established budget
• Familiarity and ability to comply with all applicable rules, regulations, best practices, and performance standards
• Aptitude for working collaboratively with multiple disciplines within teams and projects
• Experience troubleshooting electrical components, AC/DC motors/drives, & PLC’s
• Modifying and creating PLC & HMI programs for the following manufacturers
• Automation Direct
• Siemens
• Allen Bradley
• Reading and creating electrical diagrams, panel layouts, & etc. using AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical
• Familiar with:

• Allen Bradley - RSLogix 5, 500 & Studio 5000.

• Siemens – Simatic Manager & TIA Portal. S7 Technology & Simotion for Motion

• Allen Bradley Factory Talk View ME and Studio 5000 View Designer.

• Yaskawa and Allen Bradley Variable Frequency Drives

• B&R Automation Studio

• Fanuc Robotics

• Allen Bradley Kinetix Drives and Servo Motion

• Automation Direct – Direct Soft 5 & C‑More

Educational Requirements:

• BS Electrical Engineering Degree or equivalent experience

Preferred Experience:

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably tied to the plastics…