About Us:
BW Packaging is driving performance at the intersection of people, technology, and customer care. As part of the privately held Barry-Wehmiller family, we unite a global team of packaging experts with a clear purpose: People Who Care, Building Solutions that Perform. We take on our customers’ toughest challenges as our own — delivering both innovative and enduring solutions that set the standard for value and performance. Our strength comes from our people and the power of our brands — trusted names in packaging that are known worldwide for engineering excellence, application expertise, and lifetime commitment to customer success. Truly Human Leadership guides our belief that exceptional business results and profound respect for people together provide the foundation of enduring success. We are committed to forging lasting partnerships with our customers, earning their trust through integrity, expertise, and execution. With our full range of packaging solutions and long term partnership and service, we help customers achieve operational excellence today while building the future of packaging together.
Job Description:
Job Summary
The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming, and support of electrical control systems for automated packaging machinery, including integrated robotic systems. This role partners closely with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and service teams to deliver safe, reliable, and high-performing equipment that meets customer and regulatory requirements. Success is measured by on-time, on- budget, quality equipment that meets performance expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and program PLC, HMI, motion control, and robotic systems for automated packaging lines.
- Program and configure industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman, or Universal Robots) for applications such as pick-and-place, palletizing, case packing, and material handling.
- Develop and optimize robot paths, end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) interfaces, payload configurations, and cycle time performance.
- Integrate robots with PLCs, safety systems, vision systems, and peripheral equipment using industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, etc.).
- Configure and commission servo axes, sensors, vision systems, barcode scanners, printers, and inspection devices.
- Configure and troubleshoot safety systems, including safe zones, guarding, light curtains, and safety-rated monitored stops.
- Support machine build, debug, and validation, including robot teach, calibration, and commissioning during FAT and SAT.
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, controls, and system issues during build, installation, and field support.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of robotics into overall machine design and performance.
- Ensure compliance with applicable machine safety standards.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including electrical drawings, programs, backups, and operating manuals.
- Provide technical support to customers and field service teams, including on-site startup and optimization.
- May lead, guide, coach, or mentor less experienced team members; be a positive role model for the team.
- May develop schematics, panel layouts, and BOMs.
- Demonstrate flexibility and ability to work on other non-core product lines based on demand.
- Flexibility to take on evolving responsibilities in response to strategic priorities and business needs.
- Travel is an essential element to expand knowledge, support of our customers, and support business growth needs. Travel could be to company sponsored training, customers’ facilities, or other BW facilities both domestic and international. Estimated at up to 25% annually.
Qualifications & Desired Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Science, Automation/Controls or a related technical field, from an accredited college or university equivalent combinations of formal education and relevant job experience may be considered.
- Minimum 5 years of electrical controls design and PLC/HMI development.
- Strong experience with PLC programming (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley preferred).
- Experience with HMI development and motion control systems.
- Programming experience with at least one major robotic platform (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman).
- Experience integrating robots with PLCs, HMIs, motion systems, and vision inspection systems.
- Proficiency with electrical design tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
- Solid understanding of industrial networks and machine safety systems.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex electromechanical and robotic controls systems.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
Physical Demands (Essential Functions)
- Ability to perform work in an engineering office and manufacturing environment.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to operate a computer and engineering tools.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and/or internationally.
- Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and electrical systems in a safe manner, following all PPE and safety requirements.
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At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Company:
BW PackagingSkills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, automation/controls, or a related technical field, or equivalent education and relevant experience
- At least 5 years of electrical controls design and PLC/HMI development experience
- Strong PLC programming experience
- Experience with HMI development and motion control systems
- Programming experience with at least one major robotic platform, such as FANUC, ABB, KUKA, or Yaskawa/Motoman
- Experience integrating robots with PLCs, HMIs, motion systems, and vision inspection systems
- Proficiency with electrical design tools such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN
- Understanding of industrial networks and machine safety systems
- Ability to troubleshoot complex electromechanical and robotic control systems
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills
- Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC programming experience
Barry-Wehmiller Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Barry-Wehmiller and has not been reviewed or approved by Barry-Wehmiller.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with immediate vesting and a defined company match is provided, supporting structured long‑term savings. Plan specifics are documented in the current benefits handbook.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is available for both birth and secondary caregivers, complemented by family‑building supports such as fertility benefits. Company‑paid disability coverage offers additional income protection around family events.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — A wellness incentive program can significantly reduce medical premiums when requirements are met. Telehealth and second‑opinion services, along with other resources, broaden everyday support.
Barry-Wehmiller Insights
What We Do
We’re Building A Better World. We’re more than just a successful capital equipment and engineering solutions firm. We’re an organization fiercely committed to improving the lives of our team members across the globe. By providing meaningful work in an environment of care and compassion, we send them home fulfilled by their time with us, rather than drained by it. We understand what every human being on the planet desires: to know that who they are and what they do matter. As a business, we have a unique opportunity to let them know that they do. Through our Truly Human Leadership culture and personal growth initiatives, we help them become their best selves. And when we bring out their best, they give their best. To their work, their team members and friends, our customers and suppliers, the people in the communities in which they work and live, and--most important of all--to their families. And before you know it, a better job has helped build a better world!
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