Maintenance & Controls Engineer - Petmate

Position: Maintenance and Controls Engineer

We are seeking a skilled Maintenance and Automation Engineer to join a dynamic manufacturing team. This hybrid role blends hands-on maintenance expertise with advanced automation and controls engineering. The ideal candidate will lead automation initiatives, support maintenance operations, and drive reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement across plant equipment and systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide hands-on support to maintenance technicians in diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Troubleshoot complex problems involving PLCs, robotics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems.
• Ensure maintenance teams have the necessary tools, training, and resources for effective operations.
• Design, develop, and implement automation systems including robotics, PLCs, HMIs, and machine vision technologies.
• Create and maintain an automation roadmap aligned with operational goals.
• Evaluate and select automation hardware/software; conduct feasibility studies and ROI analyses.
• Develop and oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs using CMMS and data analytics.
• Lead initiatives to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and resolve warranty issues.
• Support predictive maintenance technologies to enhance equipment uptime.
• Manage installation, commissioning, and upgrades of new and existing equipment.
• Prepare Capital Equipment Requests (CERs) and manage project timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate with vendors and travel for equipment inspections, runoffs, and training.
• Participate in daily production meetings and equipment walk-arounds.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and drive process improvements.
• Align automation strategies with business objectives using data-driven insights.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, training materials, and technical documentation.
• Organize training sessions for maintenance technicians, both on-site and off-site.
• Assist in hiring and onboarding technical staff.

Skills and Experience:

Requirements:

• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens), robotics, and control systems.
• Strong project management and vendor coordination capabilities.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to travel for equipment support and training coordination.
• Experience with injection molding, extrusion, or thermoforming equipment.
• Familiarity with machine vision systems and advanced automation technologies.
• Knowledge of predictive maintenance tools, data analytics platforms, and regulatory compliance standards.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering (or related field).
• 5+ years of experience in industrial maintenance and automation, preferably in plastics or high-volume manufacturing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Our facility operates with machinery that can be loud and requires ear protection and eye protection. The manufacturing environment can be fast-paced and physically demanding, with exposure to various materials and processes that may result in a dirty workspace. We prioritize safety and cleanliness, providing all necessary protective gear and maintaining strict hygiene standards. Despite the challenging conditions, we foster a collaborative and supportive atmosphere where teamwork and professional growth are highly valued.