Controls Engineer
Ripple Foods
Software Engineering
Morristown, TN, USA
Company Overview
We are partnering with a highly automated manufacturing facility seeking a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer to support a large-scale, 24/7 production operation. This is a long-term growth opportunity supporting advanced automation systems, robotics, and future technology initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Position Overview
This role will serve as a key technical resource for the facility involving PLC programming, industrial automation, robotics, controls troubleshooting, and automation reliability initiatives. The ideal candidate will be highly hands-on and capable of independently troubleshooting and modifying PLC programs within a complex manufacturing environment.
This position will support highly automated manufacturing processes involving printing, coating, adhesive lamination, converting equipment, and robotics systems. The environment is both process-heavy and automation-driven, requiring strong technical troubleshooting and continuous improvement capabilities.
Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot and modify PLC programs within a high-speed manufacturing environment
- Support industrial automation systems, robotics, electrical controls, and equipment reliability initiatives
- Troubleshoot and support Parker, Siemens, and Allen-Bradley PLC systems
- Support Kuka robotics systems and automation equipment
- Assist with system upgrades, startups, equipment modifications, and future automation projects
- Troubleshoot VFDs, motor controls, sensors, industrial networks, and related automation systems
- Support preventative maintenance and reliability-focused initiatives across the facility
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to reduce downtime
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams
- Support CMMS activities, documentation, and continuous improvement efforts
- Provide technical expertise for future cloud/web-based automation initiatives
Qualifications
- Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience required
- Experience with Parker, Siemens, and/or Allen-Bradley PLC platforms preferred
- Robotics experience strongly preferred; Kuka robotics experience is a major plus
- Strong industrial automation and electrical controls background
- Experience troubleshooting VFDs, motor controls, industrial networks, and automated manufacturing equipment
- Ability to independently troubleshoot and manipulate PLC logic/programs
- Experience supporting high-speed manufacturing or automated production environments preferred
- AutoCAD and CMMS experience preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or related field preferred
Preferred Backgrounds
- Flexible packaging manufacturing
- Printing, coating, lamination, or converting equipment
- Chemical/process manufacturing
- Highly automated production environments
- Robotics and industrial automation integration