Electrical Control Engineer

Position Summary:
The Electrical Control Engineer at Baker Perkins specializes in electrical controls for automated machines and the programming that runs them. The primary focus is to integrate PLC and HMI controls into both new and existing food processing machinery. Control arrangements can range from simple to highly complex, involving servos, critical timing, cam, gear, virtual axis functions, and Cirvo motion systems. This individual will collaborate across all departments to develop well-engineered control solutions in support of customer needs, operational excellence, and safety standards.

Work You'll Do:

• Design and develop electrical control programs for new machinery and upgrades, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
• Program and troubleshoot PLC systems, specifically Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, including Cirvo motion systems with multiple servos and virtual axes.
• Create, test, and optimize HMI graphics for reliable machine operation and user interface.
• Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to verify electrical and control system compliance, safety, and performance prior to delivery.
• Support installation and commissioning of machines at customer sites, troubleshooting and resolving control issues (travel required).
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and service teams to develop control solutions that satisfy customer requirements.
• Maintain detailed technical records, schematics, and program documentation for all projects.
• Apply DOE and other systematic approaches to optimize control processes and machine performance.
• Communicate technical solutions effectively with all internal teams and customers.
• Develop a foundational understanding of input/output, electrical schematics, and control logic for troubleshooting and validation.
• Ensure all designs and controls meet applicable safety, standards (OSHA, NFPA, FM, ANSI, NEC/NEK).
• This work requires travel to and from local manufacturing facilities within the Grand Rapids area.

Team:
You will report to the Engineering Director and be part of the Baker Perkins engineering team supporting machinery development, customer projects, and aftermarket solutions. Your responsibilities include working closely with all employees to successfully execute well-engineered, customer-focused solutions. Your work will influence product reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction while supporting ongoing innovation and operational excellence across our manufacturing and service functions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or 2-year technical degree with relevant hands-on control systems experience considered.
• 3 or more years of experience programming PLC systems, specifically with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/Rockwell systems.
• Experience programming and integrating Cirvo motion systems, including multi-servo and virtual axis functions.
• Expertise regarding electrical schematics, input/output configurations, and control logic design.
• Proven experience leading Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electronic and control systems in manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with safety standards such as OSHA, NFPA, FM, ANSI, and NEC/NEK.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and control software platforms.
• Ability to travel 25%, often within short notice in order to support urgent customer needs. This may include both domestic and international travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with DOE (Design of Experiments) methodologies for process and control optimization.
• Knowledge of complex motion control, timing functions, and gear/cam synchronization.
• Industry certifications related to electrical controls and safety.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

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Who we are:

Coperion is an industry leader in compounding and extrusion, feeding and weighing, bulk material handling and service, bringing a wealth of know-how and experience to the market. Customers benefit from Coperion's divisions of Polymer, Equipment & Systems, and Service that are optimally networked on a global basis to offer ultimate support in the design, manufacturing and implementation of ideal systems. Staffed by engineers, chemists, technicians and a variety of industry experts, these Divisions form a powerhouse of process solutions for their customers.Coperion is an Operating Company of Hillenbrand.

Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI) is a global industrial company that provides highly-engineered, mission-critical processing equipment and solutions to customers in over 100 countries around the world. Our portfolio is composed of leading industrial brands that serve large, attractive end markets, including durable plastics, food, and recycling. Guided by our Purpose - Shape What Matters For Tomorrow - we pursue excellence, collaboration, and innovation to consistently shape solutions that best serve our associates, customers, communities, and other stakeholders. To learn more, visit: www.Hillenbrand.com.

EEO: The policy of Hillenbrand Inc. is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status. Additionally, Hillenbrand Inc. and our operating companies are committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us at recruitingaccommodations@hillenbrand.com . In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying. At Hillenbrand, everyone is welcome to apply and "Shape What Matters for Tomorrow".