Controls Engineer

DRT Holdings, LLC is a leader in the metal packaging industry, focusing on supporting the production of beverage and food ends, through system and part sales and service. The metal packaging market is forecasted to grow significantly over the next several years because brand owners continue to choose infinitely recyclable metal packaging solutions over plastic or glass.

We are currently seeking a candidate for:

• Position: Electrical Controls Architect, Innovation
• Hiring Manager: Brandon Rinehart
• Location: Dayton, OH

Position Summary:

DRT is seeking a visionary Controls System Architect to lead the next evolution of our digitally enabled equipment platform. This role blends deep controls engineering expertise with end-to-end ownership of our predictive modeling strategy, enabling DRT presses and liners to become data-rich, self-diagnosing, and optimization-ready machines.

You will define how DRT equipment mines data, transforms it, and uses it to predict tooling wear, detect anomalies, reduce downtime, and enhance customer SCADA/Smart Factory environments. If you want to architect the intelligence layer that sets the standard for next-generation high-speed manufacturing equipment, this is the role.

This is a high-visibility, high-impact role with strong leadership trajectory as DRT expands its digital ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Predictive Modeling & Data Intelligence (Primary Focus)

• Own the architecture for preventative and predictive insights across all next-generation DRT and CMC platforms.
• Define the data strategy: what to collect, how to structure it, and how it feeds SCADA/MES, the Edge module, and digital dashboards.
• Develop early-warning logic for tooling wear, mechanical anomalies, energy spikes, and scrap drivers.

Oversight of Next-Generation System Designs

• Provide controls and data architecture leadership for new presses, liners, Vulcan concepts, digital retrofits, and automation upgrades.
• Ensure new equipment is designed "data-ready" with the right sensors, signals, and connectivity to support predictive capabilities.
• Guide internal engineering, CMC liner teams, and external partners on best-practice controls and data integration.

Controls Architecture & Development

• Develop and standardize PLC/HMI/SCADA controls (Rockwell required; Siemens preferred).
• Integrate servo systems, robotics, sensors, cameras, and OEM modules into cohesive automation architecture.
• Ensure robust connectivity using OPC-UA, MQTT, Ethernet/IP, and other modern industrial protocols.

Edge Module & Data Pipeline Design

• Architect the controls-to-data pathway for the DRT/CMC Edge module.
• Enable reliable high-frequency data mining for KPIs, diagnostics, and predictive models.
• Support cloud, historian, and customer SCADA integration.

Commissioning & Collaboration

• Support commissioning and validation of next-generation systems globally.
• Work directly with customer OT/IT and SCADA teams on deployment of predictive and data-driven features.
• Collaborate with product engineering, R&D, service, and manufacturing teams across DRT and CMC.

 Project & Stakeholder Leadership

• Manage automation and controls projects ranging $500k–$2M in scope.
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, R&D, service, and product teams.
• Provide technical mentorship to controls engineers and service technicians.
• Communicate complex predictive modeling concepts clearly to customers, partners, and leadership.

Customer & Field Integration

• Translate customer SCADA architectures, security policies, and data requirements into design decisions.
• Lead on-site commissioning of data acquisition layers and connectivity modules.
• Partner with customers to define dashboards, alarms, analytics, and API structures that enhance visibility and performance.

Travel

• Travel across EMEA, North America, and Asia for integration, commissioning, and predictive system validation.

Technical Experience

• Strong expertise in Rockwell (Allen Bradley) PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA platforms.
• Siemens controls experience highly beneficial.
• Proven ability to design and implement PLC code, HMI/SCADA screens, and system diagnostics.
• Integration experience with robotics, servo drives, sensors, inspection systems, and OEM modules.
• Hands-on commissioning experience in high-speed industrial manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Smart Factory systems (MES, Historian, OEE dashboards, IIoT).
• Proficiency in industrial networking (VLANs, cybersecurity standards, data routing).
• Familiarity with regulatory and internal manufacturing standards.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and practical problem-solving capability.
• High degree of independence and ownership.
• Methodical, organized, and able to manage multiple complex technical workstreams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across global teams.

DRT is a dynamic and growing organization that offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits: company paid life and dental insurance along with available medical (available day one), disability, and (voluntary) life insurances. The retirement plan includes a 401k match.

DRT is an Equal Opportunity Employer