Controls Engineer – Waukesha, WI

Controls Engineer

📍 Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin
🏭 Manufacturing Environment
💼 Full-Time | Onsite
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Available
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available (Current or Future Sponsorship Not Supported)

Overview

A global manufacturing leader is seeking a Controls Engineer to support plant operations through the design, development, implementation, and troubleshooting of automated manufacturing and testing systems.

This role is ideal for an experienced controls professional who can independently design PLC systems from scratch, support production equipment, develop testing solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Controls & Automation Engineering

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems.

• Develop testing protocols, data collection programs, and test equipment specifications.

• Support production equipment, electrical systems, and automated test platforms.

• Develop interfaces between SQL databases and production systems.

• Support installation, validation, commissioning, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment.

Manufacturing Support

• Troubleshoot equipment and controls issues to minimize downtime.

• Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Support continuous improvement, Lean, and Six Sigma initiatives.

• Identify and implement process improvements to improve productivity and quality.

Project Engineering

• Lead or support capital equipment projects.

• Develop Capital Appropriation Requests (CARs).

• Create project goals, budgets, schedules, and work breakdown structures.

• Support change management initiatives using structured methodologies such as ADKAR.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA and electrical safety requirements.

• Identify and mitigate safety risks associated with testing and manufacturing equipment.

• Promote a zero-incident safety culture.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of Controls Engineering or Test Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience designing PLC systems from the ground up.

• Experience supporting automated production and testing equipment.

Technical Skills

• PLC Programming

• HMI Programming

• SQL Database Integration

• Rockwell Automation Software:

• RSLogix 5

• RSLogix 500

• RSLogix 5000

• Studio 5000

• FactoryTalk View ME

• FactoryTalk View SE

• Visual Basic / Visual Studio

• Microsoft Applications

Must-Have Requirements

✔ Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
✔ 5+ Years Controls/Test Engineering Experience
✔ Ability to Design PLC Systems from Scratch
✔ Rockwell Automation Software Experience
✔ PLC & HMI Programming Experience
✔ Understanding of Safety Systems Design
✔ Experience Supporting Manufacturing Equipment & Test Systems
✔ No Current or Future Sponsorship Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• NI LabVIEW

• NI TestStand

• Ignition (SCADA)

• Lean Manufacturing

• Six Sigma Methodologies

• Root Cause Analysis (8D, PFMEA, A3, Pareto, Control Charts)

• Project Management Experience

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Controls Engineer with strong manufacturing automation experience who can independently design and support PLC-based systems while driving plant efficiency and reliability.

They will have:

• Strong Rockwell Automation expertise.

• Experience developing controls for production and test equipment.

• Ability to troubleshoot complex electrical and automation systems.

• Strong SQL and programming capabilities.

• Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

• Excellent collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Candidate Snapshot

Requirement

Details

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Experience

5+ Years Controls/Test Engineering

Industry

Manufacturing

Seniority

Mid-Senior Level

PLC Design

Must Build PLCs from Scratch

Rockwell Experience

Required

Travel

None

Relocation

Available

Sponsorship

Not Available

Screening Questions

1. Can you design and build a PLC system from scratch?

2. Do you have at least 5 years of Controls/Test Engineering experience?

3. Do you hold a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering?

4. Do you have experience with Rockwell software (RSLogix, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk)?

5. Do you have PLC and HMI programming experience?

6. Have you supported the design, development, installation, and troubleshooting of production equipment?

7. Do you have experience with Visual Studio, SQL, and Microsoft applications?

8. Are you authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship?

Nice-to-Have Experience

• NI LabVIEW & TestStand

• Ignition SCADA

• Lean / Six Sigma tools

• Capital project execution

• Manufacturing test system development

• Change management methodologies (ADKAR)

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a global manufacturing organization with a strong reputation for innovation and stability.

• Work on advanced automation and testing systems.

• Drive impactful plant-wide improvements and modernization projects.

• Excellent career growth opportunities within engineering and operations.

• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.

Quality Assurance Regional Manager – Albert Lea, MN

Quality Assurance Regional Manager

📍 Location: Albert Lea, Minnesota (Oversight of Multiple Manufacturing Sites)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
💰 Base Salary: $130,000 – $145,000
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Available for Ideal Candidates
✈️ Travel: Frequent Regional Travel Required
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Overview

A growing manufacturer in the food and nutrition sector is seeking a Quality Assurance Regional Manager to lead quality and food safety operations across multiple production facilities in Minnesota.

This leadership role is responsible for driving food safety, regulatory compliance, quality system effectiveness, continuous improvement, and team development while partnering closely with Operations, Production, R&D, and Commercial teams.

The successful candidate will be a strong people leader with deep expertise in FDA-regulated manufacturing environments and a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Quality & Food Safety Leadership

• Lead quality assurance programs across multiple manufacturing sites.

• Ensure compliance with FDA, HACCP, SQF, customer, and internal quality standards.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on food safety, quality, and operational excellence.

• Oversee internal audit programs, CAPA processes, and compliance activities.

• Lead root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Team Leadership

• Develop, coach, and mentor regional quality teams.

• Establish and communicate performance goals using SMART objectives.

• Build a culture of accountability, food safety, and continuous improvement.

• Deliver food safety and quality training programs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Production, R&D, Commercial, and Operations teams to support product launches and process improvements.

• Support commercialization activities, change control processes, and new product introductions.

• Provide quality leadership during customer visits, regulatory inspections, and external audits.

Systems & Compliance

• Ensure effective implementation of food safety and quality management systems.

• Monitor and improve key metrics including:

• First Pass Quality

• Customer Complaints

• CAPA Effectiveness

• Inventory Health

• Compliance Performance

• Environmental & Sanitation Programs

• Apply SPC and data-driven methodologies to improve process performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science or a related field.

• 10+ years of Quality Assurance experience within:

• Food Manufacturing

• Beverage Manufacturing

• Dietary Supplements

• Pharmaceutical or Medical Device Manufacturing

• Management experience leading quality teams.

• Strong knowledge of:

• FDA Regulations

• HACCP

• SQF

• Food Safety Programs

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Preferred Experience

• Multi-site quality leadership experience.

• Career progression across multiple functions including:

• Production

• R&D

• Quality

• PCQI certification.

• Strong experience working with cross-functional teams.

• Statistical Process Control (SPC) expertise.

• Project management and continuous improvement experience.

Key Skills

✔ Quality Assurance Leadership
✔ FDA Compliance
✔ HACCP & SQF Programs
✔ Food Safety Systems
✔ CAPA Management
✔ Root Cause Analysis
✔ Internal Auditing
✔ SPC & Data Analysis
✔ Team Development
✔ Cross-Functional Leadership

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has a strong quality leadership background within food or beverage manufacturing and has progressed through multiple operational disciplines such as Production, R&D, and Quality.

They will bring:

• Multi-site quality management experience.

• Strong food safety and regulatory expertise.

• Proven success leading cross-functional initiatives.

• Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills.

• A track record of driving continuous improvement and quality culture transformation.

Screening Questions

1. Do you have experience in the food and beverage manufacturing industry?

2. Do you have hands-on experience with HACCP, SQF, and food safety systems?

3. Are you a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident?

4. Have you successfully partnered with cross-functional teams across operations, R&D, and quality?

5. Have you held roles in multiple functions such as Production, R&D, and Quality during your career?

Candidate Snapshot

Requirement

Details

Experience

10+ Years

Seniority

Director Level

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Industry

Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Management Experience

Required

Travel

Frequent

Multi-Site Oversight

Preferred

Relocation

Available

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Lead quality operations across multiple manufacturing facilities.

• High visibility role with direct impact on food safety and operational excellence.

• Strong career growth opportunities within a growing organization.

• Collaborative environment with significant cross-functional leadership exposure.

• Opportunity to shape quality strategy and drive continuous improvement initiatives across multiple sites.

Site Security Automation Cluster Lead – Richmond, VA

Site Security Automation Cluster Lead

📍 Location: Richmond, Virginia (On-Site)
🌎 Travel: Quarterly travel to Long Island, NY (or as needed)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Available
💰 Salary: $122,000 – $167,750 + Bonus

Overview

A global manufacturing organization is seeking a Site Security Automation Cluster Lead to drive automation, digital manufacturing transformation, and operational cybersecurity across multiple manufacturing facilities.

This leadership role is responsible for automation systems, Operational Technology Networks (OTN), cybersecurity compliance, capital project execution, digital transformation initiatives, and long-term technology roadmaps. The position supports multiple manufacturing sites and serves as the primary automation and cybersecurity expert for the cluster.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Digital Transformation

• Develop and execute automation and digital manufacturing roadmaps.

• Lead smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

• Drive automation upgrades, modernization projects, and digital transformation programs.

• Improve site Digital Maturity through increased:

• Computerization

• Connectivity

• Visibility

• Transparency

• Predictive Analytics

• Adaptability

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure

• Own Operational Technology Network (OTN) cybersecurity strategy.

• Ensure compliance with corporate automation, infrastructure, and cybersecurity standards.

• Lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning for automation systems.

• Manage lifecycle planning and replacement of obsolete automation hardware and software.

Capital Projects & Project Management

• Lead automation-related capital projects from concept through implementation.

• Manage project budgets, timelines, and benefit realization.

• Support integration of new production lines, equipment, and digital technologies.

• Track project savings and ROI throughout project execution.

Operational Leadership

• Serve as escalation point for automation, controls, and cybersecurity issues.

• Collaborate with plant engineering, maintenance, operations, and IT teams.

• Manage automation infrastructure, controls systems, and manufacturing technology platforms.

• Support continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Lead cross-functional project teams across multiple manufacturing sites.

• Build automation and cybersecurity capability within the organization.

• Partner with regional and global automation leaders on technology strategy and best practices.

• Drive stakeholder engagement focused on process optimization, compliance, and performance improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.

• 10+ years of experience in:

• Industrial Automation

• Controls Engineering

• Manufacturing Systems

• Project Management

• Strong experience with:

• Industrial Control Systems (ICS)

• Operational Technology Networks (OTN)

• Manufacturing Cybersecurity

• Digital Manufacturing Initiatives

Preferred Skills

✔ Industrial Automation
✔ Manufacturing Controls Systems
✔ Operational Technology Networks (OTN)
✔ Cybersecurity for Manufacturing Systems
✔ Industry 4.0 / Smart Manufacturing
✔ Capital Project Management
✔ Digital Transformation
✔ Industrial Networking
✔ Manufacturing Infrastructure
✔ Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
✔ Continuous Improvement

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a seasoned Automation or Controls Engineering leader with strong experience managing manufacturing technology environments across multiple facilities.

They will bring:

• Deep expertise in automation systems and industrial cybersecurity.

• Strong project management and capital deployment experience.

• Experience leading digital manufacturing transformation initiatives.

• Ability to influence stakeholders across operations, engineering, maintenance, and IT.

• Strong leadership skills with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Candidate Snapshot

Requirement

Details

Experience

10+ Years

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Industry

Manufacturing / Food & Beverage

Seniority

Senior-Level

Travel

Quarterly Travel to NY

Location

Richmond, VA (On-Site)

Relocation

Available

Bonus

Eligible

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Lead automation and cybersecurity strategy across multiple manufacturing sites.

• Drive large-scale Industry 4.0 and digital transformation initiatives.

• High visibility role with significant impact on operational performance.

• Strong compensation package with bonus potential.

• Opportunity to influence the future of smart manufacturing within a global organization.

Lead Application Engineer – Flexible Packaging | Remote USA | Travel

Lead Application Engineer – Flexible Packaging

📍 Location: Fully Remote (USA)
✈️ Travel: Up to 60% (primarily US, occasional Canada/Mexico)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time

💰 Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $105,000 – $125,000

• Full benefits package

• Bonus eligible

• Relocation assistance possible for ideal candidates

Benefits Include:

• Medical, dental & vision coverage starting Day 1

• 401(k) with company match

• Employee stock purchase program

• Generous PTO & volunteer time

• Tuition reimbursement & career development programs

• Paid parental leave & family support benefits

• Flexible work policies and wellness programs

🚀 Overview

A global leader in adhesive technologies and functional coatings is seeking a Lead Application Engineer – Flexible Packaging to provide technical leadership and customer-facing engineering support across the flexible packaging market.

This role serves as a trusted technical advisor supporting laminating adhesives and coatings technologies, helping customers optimize manufacturing processes, troubleshoot issues, implement new technologies, and drive innovation initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in flexible packaging, coatings, laminating adhesives, or converting processes with excellent customer engagement and project management capabilities.

🔧 Key Responsibilities

Technical Customer Support

• Provide technical recommendations, troubleshooting, and application support for customers

• Conduct onsite technical visits including:

• Product demonstrations

• Audits

• Process troubleshooting

• Equipment optimization

• Support complaint investigations and root cause analysis

• Document activities and findings within CRM and laboratory systems

Flexible Packaging & Coating Expertise

• Support laminating adhesives and coatings applications

• Provide expertise in:

• Coating technologies

• Converting processes

• Flexible packaging applications

• Mechanical/application equipment optimization

• Assist customers in improving adhesive-related manufacturing processes

Project Management & Innovation

• Lead customer-focused technical projects from concept through implementation

• Scope and justify customer projects and technical initiatives

• Collaborate cross-functionally with:

• Product Development

• Manufacturing

• Supply Chain

• Sales & Marketing

• Support innovation pipeline initiatives and new technology adoption

Training & Relationship Management

• Deliver technical training to customers and field sales teams

• Serve as the technical liaison between customers and internal teams

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across all organizational levels

• Promote best practices and share technical learnings across accounts

Laboratory & Technical Analysis

• Coordinate and prioritize laboratory testing activities

• Prepare technical reports summarizing findings and recommendations

• Analyze complex technical and application-related problems

• Support troubleshooting and process optimization initiatives

✅ Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in:

• Chemical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Materials Engineering

• Chemistry

• Or related technical field

• 5–10+ years of:

• Technical service

• Application engineering

• Flexible packaging industry experience

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

• Strong project management and organizational skills

⭐ Highly Preferred Experience

• Flexible packaging industry experience

• Hands-on coating and/or converting expertise

• Experience with:

• Laminating adhesives

• Coatings technologies

• Application equipment

• Converting machinery

• Customer-facing technical service experience

🛠️ Core Skills

✔ Flexible Packaging
✔ Laminating Adhesives
✔ Coatings Technology
✔ Application Engineering
✔ Technical Service
✔ Troubleshooting
✔ Process Optimization
✔ Converting Equipment
✔ Project Management
✔ Customer Training
✔ Root Cause Analysis
✔ Industrial Manufacturing

🎯 Ideal Candidate

• Hands-on technical expert within flexible packaging and coatings environments

• Strong customer-facing engineer comfortable working onsite with manufacturing teams

• Excellent communicator capable of interacting with operators through executive leadership

• Organized and proactive project leader with strong analytical capabilities

• Comfortable balancing technical problem solving with commercial support responsibilities

🌟 Why Join

• Join a globally recognized innovation leader in adhesives and coatings technology

• Fully remote role with significant customer engagement and technical ownership

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge flexible packaging solutions

• Strong career growth and international development opportunities

• Collaborative culture focused on innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence

📋 Additional Details

• Fully remote position

• Heavy customer interaction and travel-based role

• Travel up to ~60% with advance planning and support for work-life balance

• Candidates must be comfortable working independently and managing multiple customer projects simultaneously

Maintenance Manager | Food & Beverage Manufacturing | Cherokee, OK | $131K–$150K

🏭 Maintenance Manager
🗺️ Cherokee, OK
📍 Food & Beverages Industry | Onsite
💼 Mid-Senior Level | Management
📅 Full-time | 1 Position Available

✨ Compensation: $131,000 – $150,000 (confidential if posted externally)
🚚 Relocation: Limited assistance available
❌ Visa Sponsorship: Not available

🎯 Position Purpose

The Maintenance Manager will oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of maintenance practices that keep plant equipment, grounds, and production processes running efficiently. This leader will play a vital role in driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance, and fostering a culture of safety while leading the engineering and maintenance teams.

🛠️ Key Responsibilities

• Plant Operations & Layout: Develop and optimize plant processing lines to support operational changes or expansions.

• Safety & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to OSHA regulations and all company safety policies.

• Team Leadership: Equip and guide engineering and maintenance teams with the tools, training, and knowledge needed to sustain facility operations.

• Budget & Projects: Oversee Capital and Expense Budget projects and ensure timely execution.

• Vendor & Contractor Management: Build strong working relationships with external contractors and vendors to ensure efficient project delivery.

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner closely with other departments to resolve daily operational challenges and drive plant-wide success.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify issues proactively and lead solutions in a structured, constructive manner.

✅ Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree in a relevant field (or equivalent experience).

• Experience: 5+ years of management experience in manufacturing (meat industry experience preferred).

• Licenses/Certifications: State Mechanical Contractor’s License.

• Technical Expertise:

• Strong mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of electrical & mechanical systems.

• Basic understanding of refrigeration systems.

• Familiarity with CAD and PLC equipment.

• Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.

• Excellent project and priority management.

• Effective communicator and self-starter with leadership skills across all organizational levels.

• Computer literacy (Excel, MS Word).

⚙️ Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods throughout the day.

• Occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs with proper technique.

• Work may require personal protective equipment (safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.).

• Exposure to extreme temperatures (-40°F to 110°F) and high-noise environments.

📌 Why This Role?

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on Maintenance Manager ready to lead in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. You’ll take ownership of critical operations, drive continuous improvements, and make a direct impact on plant safety, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Manufacturing Operations Manager | $106K–$150K | Consumer Products | Sanford, ME

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Location: Sanford, Maine
Job ID: 167229
Employment Type: Full-Time

💵 Compensation:

• Base Salary: $106,000 – $150,000/year

• Bonus Eligible: No

• Commission: No

• Overtime Eligible: No

🎁 Benefits:

• Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k, etc.)

• Relocation assistance available for the ideal candidate

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

• Career development and advancement support

• Opportunities for continuous improvement training (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)

Lead. Innovate. Transform.

Are you a manufacturing leader ready to take the next step in your career? This exciting opportunity offers the chance to drive operational excellence, lead high-performing teams, and influence end-to-end production strategies at a dynamic consumer products facility in Sanford, Maine.

You’ll oversee production, warehouse, and finishing operations while fostering a safety-first, quality-driven, and continuous improvement culture. Bring your passion for innovation, people leadership, and efficiency—and make a measurable impact on global supply chain performance.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

🔧 Operations Leadership

• Oversee daily operations across production, making, finishing, and warehouse areas

• Lead supervisory teams and technicians to meet KPIs around quality, safety, and efficiency

• Drive a culture of accountability, performance, and collaboration

• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and EH&S to maximize productivity

• Champion Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) standards including People Capability, Visual Workplace, and Continuous Improvement

• Act as a visible, hands-on leader during audits, SOP reviews, and daily operations

• Build contingency plans to ensure business continuity during disruptions

💰 Financial Oversight

• Co-own plant financial performance with site leadership

• Drive savings initiatives through labor cost optimization and FTG (Fund-the-Growth) programs

• Analyze variances in materials, labor, and output to improve financial forecasting

• Optimize inventory, capital expenditures, and operating expenses to improve cash flow

• Monitor and revise site KPIs to align with evolving business goals

👥 People & Culture

• Execute labor strategies that promote employee relations, retention, and engagement

• Build and mentor a high-performing workforce, empowering both salaried and hourly teams

• Develop internal talent pipelines while fostering a culture of recognition and inclusion

✅ Quality, Compliance & Process Excellence

• Ensure all production activities align with GMP, FDA, and safety standards

• Own decisions regarding out-of-spec raw materials, WIP, and finished goods

• Guarantee team proficiency with SOPs for lot tracking, release procedures, code dating, and traceability

• Lead implementation of corrective/preventive actions for non-conformances

• Ensure validated cleaning, sanitization, and changeover procedures are followed

• Facilitate successful technology transfers for new products and processes

⚙️ Process & Equipment Optimization

• Set annual site goals for process capability; monitor and report on monthly progress

• Ensure process control tolerances, calibration routines, and SOP accuracy

• Identify and resolve equipment constraints in partnership with technical teams

• Oversee preventive maintenance and ensure team training on cleaning and batch procedures

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related discipline (required)

• 8+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations

• Strong background in GMP, FDA/regulated environments, and ISO/OSHA standards

• Solid understanding of Quality systems and manufacturing audits

• Advanced proficiency with digital tools (e.g., Google Suite, Data Studio)

• Experience leading cross-functional teams and navigating matrixed environments

Preferred Qualifications

• SAP, WMS, and plant floor systems experience

• Certified or experienced in Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodology

• Proven ability to manage ambiguity and multiple initiatives simultaneously

• Strong communicator with excellent coaching and feedback capabilities

• Project management skills with experience leading complex initiatives

Additional Details

• Seniority Level: Mid-Senior

• Management Experience: Not required, but leadership experience essential

• Travel: Occasional

• Visa Sponsorship: Not available

• Security Clearance: Not required

• Relocation Assistance: Yes, for the ideal candidate

Take Charge of Change

This role is built for a strategic, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, quality-first environment. If you're ready to elevate your impact, drive performance, and shape the future of manufacturing—this is your opportunity.