R&D Controls Engineer

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About the Company

Kadant Solutions, based in Auburn, Massachusetts, develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of doctoring, cleaning, filtration, and forming systems and related consumables used in process industries worldwide including construction roofing materials, food processing, metals processing, nonwovens, pulp and paper, textiles and fibers, and tissue.

About the Role

The R&D Controls Engineer will be responsible for developing new products; improving existing product designs; providing technical support for legacy products; maintaining, troubleshooting and upgrading in-house manufacturing process equipment and machinery. This position is on-site in Auburn, MA.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D product development projects and production order projects (those having significant control content) from concept development through successful installation at customer sites.
• Assign project activities and provide guidance to other team members.
• Establish and communicate project cost estimates, time estimates and project milestone dates.
• Design cost effective control systems that function well with the mechanical systems and satisfy all product performance objectives.
• Oversee the creation of all necessary P & I, interconnect and control enclosure drawings.
• Develop PLC logic and/or oversee the development of PLC logic by contract control engineers.
• Utilize SolidWorks (and other CAD tools) to develop design layouts (3D model) of prototype equipment.
• Schedule and chair design review meetings to discuss and evaluate proposed product designs.
• Order all materials and hardware needed to build prototypes. Follow up with the purchasing department to ensure that purchased items are received when expected.
• Manage the New Product Release process after the development phase is completed.
• Build prototype components and equipment. Utilize outside and in-house resources as required.
• Test and troubleshoot all controls and mechanical systems prior to shipping.
• Travel to customer and supplier sites as needed to obtain project information and/or install, evaluate, and test prototype equipment and components.
• Work closely with other company departments, international affiliates, customers, and suppliers to ensure that all project objectives are met.
• Provide controls engineering support in maintaining and troubleshooting in-house manufacturing equipment and machinery.
• Lead and implement in-house manufacturing process controls upgrade projects.
• Work with a "continuous improvement" mentality. Strive to develop new methods and tools that can help our business become more successful.
• Assist Sales, Customers, Application Engineers, and others with equipment design and application questions as needed.
• Observe safe practices and company policies.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Qualifications

• B.S. Electrical Engineering or B.S. Mechanical Engineering with controls emphasis.
• Minimum (5) years of experience working with industrial controls.
• Familiarity and experience with IoT and smart connected products are preferred.
• Strong understanding of electrical and pneumatic controls, PLC's, AC/DC and Servo drive systems, panel design and construction, and power distribution.
• Strong understanding of Ethernet and IP networks.
• Must be familiar with the National Electrical Code and able to ensure compliance with other international codes as applicable.
• Strong overall understanding of process machinery, Lockout-Tagout procedures and safe work practices.
• Proficient in A/B PLC programming, including device communication.
• Proficient with Controls CAD software.
• Must be capable of "hands-on" troubleshooting of electrical control system.
• Proficient with Solidworks (CAD) software (preferred).
• Good organizational skills.
• Good project management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft applications - Excel and Word.
• Highly motivated, self-starter, capable of working in both a team environment and on individual assignments effectively.
• Proven problem-solving skills.
• Up to 30% travel required for installation of prototypes, product testing and training, and technical support of products.
• Must be capable of working in difficult industrial conditions-heat, dust, noise, etc.
• Must be able to adjust work hours as needed to satisfy business commitments.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of electrical and pneumatic controls.
• Proficient in A/B PLC programming.
• Proficient with Controls CAD software.
• Good organizational and project management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity and experience with IoT and smart connected products.
• Proficient with Solidworks (CAD) software.

Pay range and compensation package

Competitive wage. All benefits are effective upon date of hire. Our Comprehensive Benefit Package Includes:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance with best-in-class premiums.
• 10 ½ paid holidays.
• 401k with match.
• Company paid life insurance benefit.
• Disability insurance.
• Aflac insurance.
• Lifelock insurance.
• MetLaw legal assistance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Flexible spending.
• Dependent care.
• Educational assistance.
• Employee stock purchase plan.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Company Name is not accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this position. If you are a search firm, you will not be compensated in any way for your submission of a candidate, even if Company Name hires that candidate.

*Equal opportunity employer. Diverse and inclusive workplace.

Kadant is named as one of America's Most Responsible Companies 2024 by Newsweek. Kadant was named as one of