Manufacturing Controls Engineer

Are you passionate about automation, controls engineering, and continuous improvement?

Join our team as a Manufacturing Controls Engineer and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our manufacturing operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges, implementing innovative automation solutions, and improving operational performance.

In this role, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and optimize advanced manufacturing control systems that drive safety, quality, reliability, and productivity. If you're looking for a position where your expertise directly influences business success, we'd love to hear from you.

Location:

This role is located in our facility in Monroe, Wisconsin, and works onsite Monday through Friday.  Remote work is not available. 

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing automation and control systems. This role combines technical expertise, project leadership, and problem-solving skills to support production operations and ensure optimal equipment performance.

Working closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and external partners, you will lead automation initiatives, support new equipment installations, troubleshoot complex systems, and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency and reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC, HMI, robotics, and industrial automation systems to ensure maximum reliability and performance.
• Develop, modify, and improve control systems for manufacturing equipment and production lines.
• Support the installation, startup, commissioning, validation, and integration of new manufacturing equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, robotics, and industrial network issues to minimize downtime and optimize production performance.
• Optimize manufacturing processes through automation technologies, data-driven analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, control narratives, I/O lists, technical drawings, and supporting documentation.
• Manage controls-related projects, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, vendor management, and project execution.
• Support maintenance teams in troubleshooting equipment failures and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Maintain critical controls spare parts inventories and pre-program replacement components to support rapid recovery efforts.
• Lead root cause analysis activities and implement sustainable solutions to improve reliability and throughput.
• Ensure all systems comply with company safety standards, electrical codes, food safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and external resources to complete projects and service activities.
• Provide technical training and ongoing support to manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering personnel.
• Complete work orders, maintenance records, logs, and system documentation accurately and on time.
• Operate material handling and powered industrial equipment as required.
• Support compliance with BRCGS, HACCP, GMP, OSHA, and other applicable food safety and sanitation standards.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

What We Are Looking For:

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field; or a minimum of three years of experience in manufacturing automation or controls engineering.
• Experience programming, troubleshooting, and supporting PLC systems, including Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Strong knowledge of HMI systems, VFDs, servo drives, sensors, robotics, and industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, and DeviceNet.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical thinking, troubleshooting, and root cause problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management abilities.
• Experience working in manufacturing environments with automated production equipment.

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of electrical controls, control wiring, panel design, transducers, and machine controls.
• Working knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, packaging equipment, machine guarding, drive belts, alignments, and related mechanical systems.
• Ability to analyze system performance and identify opportunities for automation, reliability, and efficiency improvements.
• Proficiency using engineering software and diagnostic tools to support system development and troubleshooting.

Professional Attributes

• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to effectively collaborate across engineering, maintenance, production, and leadership teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, or emergency call-ins when business needs require.
• Ability to travel periodically for training, vendor support, and equipment commissioning activities.

Why Join Us?

At Klondike Cheese Co., we believe in the power of cheese to bring joy to people’s lives. We’re not just in the business of making cheese; we’re in the business of making moments memorable. As we continue to grow and share our love for cheese with the world, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our passion.  

• Be a key contributor to high-impact automation and manufacturing improvement projects.
• Work with advanced control systems, robotics, and emerging manufacturing technologies.
• Partner with a collaborative team dedicated to innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Make a measurable impact on safety, quality, productivity, and business performance.
• Grow your technical and leadership skills while helping drive the future of manufacturing.

If you're energized by automation, technology, and solving complex engineering challenges, we invite you to apply and become part of our team.

Our Benefits:

Klondike Cheese proudly offers competitive wages and benefits, including the following to our full-time employees:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-term Disability Insurance
• Company-Paid Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match and Annual Profit Sharing

How to Apply:

Please go to the company website, www.klondikecheese.com to complete an application online, click on the Careers tab to navigate to open positions.   If you are unable to complete an application online, paper applications may be picked up in our Main Office at W7839 State Road 81, Monroe, WI 53566, anytime Monday through Friday, 7:30am-4:30 pm (excluding holidays).

Additional Information:

The information in this job posting/description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded.  Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by Supervisors as deemed appropriate. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The company maintains its status as an at-will employer. 

Klondike Cheese Co. is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Klondike Cheese Co. is a drug-free workplace.  Drug testing is a condition of hire, and employment by the company is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results of a drug test.  Employees, volunteers, vendors and guests of the company are prohibited from the use, sale, dispensing, distribution, possession, manufacture, or being under the influence of drugs that are illegal under any federal, state or local law, including marijuana, prescription drugs without a valid prescription, inhalants, or narcotic substances, on the company’s premises.

E-Verify is used to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Klondike Cheese Co. complies with federal and state disability laws. Reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at 608-325-3021.