Automation Engineer (Stevens Point)

Controls Engineer – Papermill

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support automation, controls, and electrical systems within a high-volume papermill manufacturing environment . This role will be responsible for troubleshooting, programming, improving, and maintaining plant control systems while working closely with electrical, maintenance, engineering, and operations teams.

The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and a solid understanding of industrial automation in a continuous-process manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, modify, and maintain Allen-Bradley PLC systems .
• Support and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms.
• Troubleshoot HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, networks, and industrial control systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, process efficiency, and automation.
• Develop and modify PLC logic, HMI screens, control sequences, and system documentation.
• Provide hands-on controls support to maintenance and production teams.
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues during equipment downtime and production interruptions.
• Support installation, commissioning, startup, and integration of new equipment and automation systems.
• Work with engineering and maintenance teams on capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including PLC programs, electrical drawings, control system documentation, and backups.
• Follow plant safety standards and electrical/controls best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent hands-on experience may be considered.
• Must have significant Allen-Bradley PLC experience.
• Experience with ControlLogix and/or CompactLogix .
• Strong understanding of industrial automation, PLC programming, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, and industrial networks.
• Ability to troubleshoot controls and electrical systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively with maintenance and operations teams.

Preferred Experience

• Papermill or paper manufacturing experience.
• Experience with continuous-process manufacturing.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley FactoryTalk.
• Knowledge of industrial Ethernet and PLC communications.
• Experience with process controls, instrumentation, and variable-frequency drives.
• Experience supporting capital projects, equipment installations, and system upgrades.

What We're Looking For

This is a hands-on controls position for someone who can walk onto a manufacturing floor, diagnose a controls problem, get into the PLC, determine what is happening, and help get the equipment back online . Strong Allen-Bradley experience is essential, while papermill/process manufacturing experience is highly valued.