Controls Engineer
- Boone, IA
- Permanent
- Full-time
Travel Requirement: 50–75% through 2025 (primarily to OH); 25% ongoing thereafter
Employment Type: Full-TimeRole Summary:A fast-growing manufacturing group is searching for a Controls Engineer to join its corporate automation team. Based at the Boone, IA facility, this individual will contribute to major controls projects across multiple sites, focusing on the implementation, optimization, and support of plant automation systems.The engineer will play a pivotal role in integrating new equipment, upgrading existing automation platforms, and standardizing control system architecture. This position will initially require extensive travel to the company’s flagship Ohio plant for hands-on onboarding and training through the end of 2025.Primary Responsibilities:Execute programming, testing, and commissioning of PLC-based control systems, HMI interfaces, and data collection tools tied to MES platforms.Provide on-site and remote support for automation systems, including resolution of control issues via the corporate helpdesk system.Develop and maintain system schematics, panel layouts, network diagrams, and documentation for plant control architecture.Enforce and refine internal standards for automation processes, safety protocols, and communication setups.Lead technical engagement with outside controls contractors and ensure project deliverables align with company expectations.What You’ll Need to Succeed:7+ years of experience in controls or automation engineering within manufacturing environments, ideally in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods.Proficiency in ladder logic programming using Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs.Solid hands-on development experience with HMI systems—preferably using AVEVA/Wonderware ArchestrA System Platform.Strong understanding of object-oriented programming principles for scalable and reusable control logic.Capable of designing and specifying control panels, instrumentation, and related hardware for plant environments.Demonstrated experience programming automation in process-driven areas, including integration with cleaning systems (CIP/SIP preferred).Familiarity with MES systems, preferably AVEVA-based, for operations visibility and data handling.Bonus: Experience in .NET frameworks, SQL scripting, and Ethernet/IP communications in plant automation environments.Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.Proficiency with office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for collaboration and reporting.Education & Travel:Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or related field is required.Must be open to traveling 50–75% through 2025 for onboarding and systems immersion (primarily to Wooster, OH).Willingness to travel up to 25% long-term for project-related work across additional facilities.Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.Participation in a tobacco- and drug-free workplace is required.This is a strategic opportunity to join a multi-site engineering team and help drive manufacturing innovation through state-of-the-art automation systems.