Controls Engineer

Marlen, headquartered in Riverside, MO is recognized as a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered and innovative food processing equipment and systems.  Our premium products have long set the standard for quality and performance in vacuum stuffing and pumping, portioning, size reduction, thermal processing, and food handling.

Marlen has been trusted by the world’s leading food brands for 70 years. Our world-class Solution Centers strategically located across the globe allow processors to lean on our highly experienced food processing technologists to develop and test unique solutions for your products.  Marlen is a Duravant Company, headquartered in Downers Grove, IL.   Duravant is a global engineered equipment company with manufacturing, sales and service facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

This position description identifies the major responsibilities of this job. It does not include all aspects of the position such as the potential additional duties assigned by supervisors and the requirement for flexibility in helping others for the company's overall benefit.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, programming, testing, troubleshooting, and implementation of control systems for Marlen food processing equipment and integrated systems. This position works with PLCs, HMIs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, burner controls, industrial networks, and electrical control systems.

The Controls Engineer supports projects throughout the equipment lifecycle, from initial design and programming through machine testing, commissioning, installation, and customer support. The role works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, and other cross-functional teams to deliver reliable equipment that meets customer requirements, project specifications, and delivery commitments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop, program, test, and troubleshoot industrial control systems for new and existing equipment.
• Develop and maintain PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, and related control programs.
• Support electrical and controls design, including high-voltage power distribution and low-voltage control systems.
• Perform machine debugging, testing, and start-up activities, including troubleshooting electrical circuits, control logic, communications, and system performance.
• Diagnose equipment and controls issues and develop effective solutions that meet customer and application requirements.
• Support equipment commissioning, installation, and field start-up activities as required.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, and other cross-functional teams throughout project execution.
• Develop and apply engineering standards and best practices for PLC programming, HMI design, controls architecture, and documentation.
• Identify technical and project risks and proactively resolve issues that could impact equipment performance, quality, or delivery.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions for controls-related issues.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting established project schedules and customer commitments.
• Provide technical support and guidance to internal teams and customers as needed.
• Other assigned duties

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of controls engineering, controls design, automation, or industrial programming experience, including PLC programming.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs.
• Experience with Siemens PLCs and drives is a plus but not required.
• Experience with machine debugging, start-up, and commissioning, including troubleshooting electrical circuits, control logic, communications, and system performance.
• Experience with industrial electrical systems, including single- and three-phase circuits, motors, transformers, and digital and analog instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication networks and protocols, including Ethernet-based networks.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with servo systems, motion control, and AutoCAD Electrical is a plus.
• Ability to travel occasionally to support equipment installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee is frequently required to sit and use computers and other office equipment. The position may also require standing, walking, reaching, and working around manufacturing or processing equipment. The employee must occasionally be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in office, manufacturing, and customer-site environments.

WHY YOU SHOUD APPLY:

As a Duravant family company, Marlen offers a collaborative, results-focused environment where employees can build rewarding careers and contribute to meaningful customer solutions. Our total rewards and employee experience include:

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits designed to support employees’ health, well-being, and financial security.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Education, training, and development opportunities, including educational assistance.
• A cross-functional, team-oriented workplace focused on customer success and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities to support our communities through Doing Good volunteer initiatives.
• Core values that guide how we work: Do What’s Right; Champion Customer Success; Respond Fast, Deliver Faster; Work Together, Win Together; and Ignite What’s Next.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Marlen International ("Marlen") maintains a drug-free workplace and is an equal employment opportunity employer. Marlen evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process should contact the Marlen Human Resources Department. Marlen complies with applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws in each location where it operates. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, which may include a background check, post-offer drug screen, and physical. Marlen participates in E-Verify.