Controls engineer - automation & technical support

Remote – Midwest U.S. | Up to 60% Travel

Solve complex automation problems. Work remotely. Get hands-on in the field.

If you’re a controls engineer who enjoys troubleshooting equipment, programming PLCs, and solving problems that don’t always come with an instruction manual, this could be a great next move.

Harpak-ULMA Packaging is looking for an experienced Controls Engineer to support our automated packaging equipment and Field Service organization.

This is a fully remote position based in the Midwest, with travel to customer locations as needed. When you're not supporting equipment in the field, you'll work remotely on troubleshooting, programming, engineering improvements, and R&D projects.

You'll work across a variety of automation technologies, including Rockwell PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, VFDs, industrial networks, Pro-face, and Lenze equipment.

Why You'll Want to Take a Closer Look

• Fully remote when not traveling to customer sites
• Hands-on work with Rockwell PLCs, HMIs, servos, and VFDs
• Solve challenging real-world controls and automation problems
• Split your time between technical support, programming, and R&D
• Exposure to advanced automation and robotics
• Work with sophisticated, high-speed packaging equipment
• Take ownership of problems from diagnosis through solution
• Travel to customer locations throughout your territory and beyond

What You'll Do

You'll serve as a key technical resource for our Field Service Technicians and customers, using your controls expertise to keep complex automated equipment running at its best.

You will:

• Program, troubleshoot, and modify Rockwell PLC, HMI, servo, and VFD systems
• Remotely support Field Service Technicians with complex controls, electrical, and mechanical troubleshooting
• Diagnose automation issues on high-speed packaging equipment
• Travel to customer facilities to provide hands-on technical support when needed
• Maintain and modify existing machine-control programs
• Configure and troubleshoot Rockwell, Pro-face, and Lenze equipment
• Troubleshoot industrial communication networks, including Ethernet and DeviceNet
• Update electrical schematics using 2D AutoCAD
• Maintain clear controls documentation to support future equipment modifications and troubleshooting
• Research and implement new controls hardware and software
• Contribute to R&D and engineering projects between service assignments
• Manage multiple technical projects and priorities

The Technology

Depending on the project or customer, you could work with:

• Rockwell Automation | Studio 5000 | PLCs | PanelView Plus | VFDs | Servo Systems | Pro-face HMIs | Lenze | Ethernet | DeviceNet | AutoCAD | Robotics

Our equipment portfolio includes tray sealers, fillers, dosers, form-fill-seal systems, case erecting, automatic loading, sleeving, cartoning, flow wrapping, shrink wrapping, and vertical and horizontal thermoforming systems.

What You'll Bring

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related discipline
• Strong Rockwell PLC programming and troubleshooting experience
• Experience with PLCs, VFDs, servo systems, and PanelView Plus
• Experience using Studio 5000 or similar controls software
• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• Working knowledge of 2D AutoCAD
• Familiarity with NEC and NFPA 70E
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment
• Strong customer-facing communication skills
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain a passport

Even Better If You Have

• Lenze servo experience
• B&R PLC and servo experience
• Omron PLC experience
• Robotics experience
• Pro-face HMI experience
• Structured Text programming
• High-speed packaging equipment experience
• Automated manufacturing experience

Approximately 5+ years of field service, equipment maintenance, controls engineering, or related industrial automation experience is preferred.

Location & Travel

This is a fully remote position for candidates based in the Midwest United States.

Because this role provides technical support for customers and equipment in the field, travel may average up to approximately 60% based on business and customer needs.

When you're not traveling, you'll work from your home office supporting technical issues, programming, documentation, and engineering/R&D projects.

A flexible schedule is important, as customer support needs can vary.

Compensation

Final compensation will be based on relevant experience, technical expertise, and qualifications.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This role works across customer manufacturing, production, shop, and warehouse environments. The position requires the ability to move around industrial facilities, work around operating equipment, travel by car or air, and lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.