Controls Engineer

BestPack

Controls Engineer

Ontario, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Benefits:

    401(k) matching

    Bonus based on performance

    Dental insurance

    Flexible schedule

    Free food & snacks

    Free uniforms

    Health insurance

    Opportunity for advancement

    Paid time off

    Training & development

    Vision insurance

    Key Responsibilities

    Mechanical Design

    Design mechanical components, assemblies, frames, mechanisms, pneumatic/hydraulic systems as required.

    Generate detailed drawings, 3D models (e.g. SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.), select materials, finishes, and manufacturing methods.

    Perform mechanical stress/thermal/kinematic analyses as needed.

    Controls / Automation Design

    Specify, design, program, configure, test, and commission control systems (PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, drives, etc.).

    Develop control logic, interlocks, safety features.

    Integrate mechanical components with control systems (e.g. feedback loops, motion control).

    Installation, Commissioning & Testing

    Oversee or perform machine build, wiring, panel design and assembly, installation on-site.

    Conduct machine start-ups, commissioning, debug mechanical and control issues.

    Test machines for performance, safety, compliance; debug and optimize.

    Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Improvement

    Diagnose mechanical and control-related problems in production equipment.

    Work with maintenance teams to reduce downtime, improve reliability.

    Lead continuous improvement projects (e.g. reduce cycle time, energy usage, improve quality).

    Documentation & Compliance

    Create and maintain documentation: mechanical drawings, control schematics, electrical wiring diagrams, user manuals, programming documentation.

    Ensure designs meet relevant safety, electrical, mechanical codes and standards.

    Support regulatory compliance and risk assessments (e.g. guarding, emergency stops, interlocks).

    Collaboration & Project Management

    Work with project managers to estimate costs, schedule work, define deliverables.

    Coordinate with vendors for components (electrical, mechanical) and evaluate vendor offerings.

    Communicate with other engineering disciplines (electrical, software), production, quality, and maintenance.

    Qualifications

    Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls/Automation, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.

    Experience: Typically 3-7 years of experience in mechanical design + control systems, ideally in manufacturing or packaging machinery.

    Technical Skills:

    Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) for mechanical design.

    Strong PLC programming and debugging experience (e.g. Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.).

    Understanding of motion control, sensors, drives/VFDs.

    Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings.

    Knowledge of safety standards (e.g. OSHA, NFPA, relevant local & industry standards).

    Desired Skills & Attributes:

    Strong problem‐solving skills and attention to detail.

    Good communication skills, able to work cross‐departmentally.

    Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines.

    Practical, hands‐on mindset; comfortable working both at desk (design) and shop/field (commissioning, troubleshooting).

    Optional / Nice to Have:

    Experience with robotics, vision systems.

    Familiarity with SCADA / networked control systems.

    Experience with predictive maintenance, data analytics.

    Working Conditions & Other Info

    May require travel to customer / installation sites.

    On-site work in production / machinery shop, occasionally lifting/moving heavy components, climbing, working at heights or in confined spaces as required.

    Standard hours, but possible overtime for project deadlines or emergency repairs.

    Performance Metrics / KPIs

    Machine uptime / reliability improvements.

    Successful completion of design & control projects on time and within budget.

    Reduction in mechanical or control failures / breakdowns.

    Improvements in cycle time, throughput, efficiency.

    Safety compliance, incident rates related to design & controls.