Controls Engineer

Job Description:

Company Description

Alpine, an ITW company, currently has an opening for a Manufacturing Engineer in its Litchfield, IL facility. The Manufacturing Engineer will provide technical leadership, direction and engineering support for the safe manufacturing of products which meet or exceed quality requirements and business goals and objectives. This role will identify opportunities and initiate actions to improve processes and production methods that safely improve our manufacturing cost, quality, productivity, product performance, and delivery to best meet customer needs.

Alpine is a leading provider of building component software, equipment, and the industry’s best service to truss manufacturers.  Partnering with our customers, we help to improve their businesses and make them more productive.  We are also a leader in delivering software solutions to homebuilders to increase productivity and profitability. 

ITW offers its employees a path for advancement, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to help employees care for themselves, their families, and their futures.

Job Description

The Controls Engineer / Technician will support operations through the design, maintenance, and continuous improvement of automated control systems. This role will balance hands-on troubleshooting with project-based engineering work, with a strong emphasis on robotics, automation, and process improvement.

Robotics & Automation Development

• Design, develop, and improve automated control systems including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, AMRs, smart sensors, and drive systems
• Develop new PLC and robotic programs and continuously improve existing systems using company standards
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize  robotic systems (Fanuc preferred) and related automation platforms
• Support integration of automation systems including PLCs, robotics, HMI, and data collection systems
• Configure and maintain AC drive systems including such as Allen Bradley PowerFlex (400, 750, 755)
• Work with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Remote I/O, and Modbus TCP/IP
• Design and modify electrical circuits, control panels, and system architectures

Process Improvement & Engineering Support

• Provide electrical and mechanical troubleshooting support for production equipment and automated systems
• Lead root cause analysis efforts and implement corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and uptime
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles
• Support and lead capital projects related to automation, controls upgrades, and equipment modernization
• Ensure maximum reliability and performance of manufacturing equipment
• Support equipment rebuilds, repairs, and system upgrades
• Create and maintain documentation including electrical schematics, programs, and operating procedures

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and IT teams to resolve issues and improve system performance
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and production personnel
• Partner with Engineering/Maintenance on machine design improvements and new equipment implementation
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and company standards in all activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related technical field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 2-5+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering within a manufacturing environment
• Strong experience with Allen Bradley PLC platforms (SLC 5/05, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix)
• Experience with robotic programming and automation systems (Fanuc preferred)
• Experience with AC drives, motor control systems, and industrial automation hardware
• Proficiency in HMI development (PanelView, Ignition or similar)
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Remote I/O)
• Experience with Microsoft Office and  computer-aided design software (AutoCAD or similar a plus)
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel 15-20%
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed to support operations

Ideal Candidate

• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and robotic programming in a high-speed manufacturing environment
• Experience with robotics, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), and smart sensor technologies
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude with a proactive, problem-solving mindset
• Demonstrated ability to lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives
• Effective communicator who can work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams
• Ability to balance floor support with project-based engineering work

Additional information

ITW is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes. To be considered an applicant, please apply online to a specific job posting.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the online application system process due to your disability, please click here for information on how to contact us directly. 

Compensation Information:

$61,200 - $91,800

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.