Senior Controls Engineer, Innovation

Overview

In this role, you turn bold automation ideas into real packaging technology that performs. You’ll develop and scale controls solutions across PLCs, HMIs, motion, robotics, vision, and safety, collaborating with cross-functional teams to turn challenges into testable concepts. You’ll balance customer value with feasibility and safety, moving strong ideas toward repeatable, scalable products. This role offers a mix of innovation work and hands-on project support in a global packaging context.

Responsibilities

• Identify unmet needs with customers and internal teams to define use cases and requirements
• Design and prototype controls solutions considering safety, reliability, cost, manufacturability, and scalability
• Develop and test control systems using PLCs, HMIs, motion, sensors, drives, safety systems, and industrial networks
• Evaluate new tools and platforms for technical fit, risk, and value
• Plan and execute tests, analyze results, and provide evidence-based recommendations
• Integrate systems and optimize sequences, motion profiles, and cycle times
• Incorporate machine safety requirements and configure protections and safety interfaces
• Support startup activities including debugging, FAT, installation, SAT, and optimization
• Convert concepts into reusable architectures, modules, and standards
• Collaborate across teams and with customers and suppliers to share learning and ensure value

Key requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation/Controls, or related field
• 5+ years designing, programming, integrating, testing, or commissioning industrial automation and controls
• Strong PLC and HMI development experience
• Hands-on experience with servo motion, VFDs, sensors, industrial networks, and machine-safety technologies
• Ability to read/create/update electrical schematics, panel layouts, and BOMs using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar tools
• Experience supporting automated equipment through debug, FAT, installation, start-up, commissioning, and SAT
• Strong ability to translate customer challenges into technical requirements and concepts
• Clear communication, sound judgement, and adaptability to changing priorities

• clear communication
• sound judgement
• flexibility
• PLC and HMI development
• servo motion and drives
• sensors and industrial networks

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