Electrical Controls Engineer
Electrical Controls Engineer (PLC/HMI) | Packaging Machinery | Hybrid - Franklin, WI
Location: Franklin, WI
Work Schedule: Hybrid (regular onsite presence required)
Travel: Up to 20% domestic and international travel
Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
About the Role
Krones, Inc. is seeking an experienced Electrical Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, integration, startup, and troubleshooting of automated packaging systems. This role is ideal for a controls engineer with strong PLC/HMI programming experience and a background in industrial automation, packaging machinery, conveyors, labeling systems, or material handling equipment.
You will work closely with customers, mechanical engineers, project teams, and equipment vendors to ensure complete machine integration and successful project execution from concept through commissioning.
What You'll Do
Design and integrate electrical control systems for packaging machinery and automated production lines
Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs
Support startup, commissioning, testing, and customer acceptance activities
Integrate Krones equipment with third-party machinery and customer production systems
Create and update electrical schematics, control panel documentation, and bills of material
Review customer specifications and define automation system requirements
Provide engineering support during equipment installation and commissioning
Assist in validation and verification of control systems
Collaborate with customers, vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams
Ensure projects are completed on schedule and meet customer requirements
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering field
Minimum 3 years of Controls Engineering experience
Minimum 3 years of experience with:
PLC programming
HMI programming
Electrical control circuits
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
Ability to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally
Ability to work onsite in Franklin, WI as part of a hybrid schedule
Preferred Technical Experience
Experience with one or more of the following:
Allen Bradley ControlLogix
Siemens S7
Siemens TIA Portal
B&R Automation
UL 508
ISO 13849 machine safety standards
TÜV certification (preferred)
SAP
To be considered, applicants must:
✅ Have at least 3 years of Controls Engineering experience
✅ Have hands-on PLC and HMI programming experience
✅ Have experience with industrial automation equipment
✅ Be willing to travel up to 20%
✅ Be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
✅ Live within commuting distance of Franklin, WI or be willing to relocate prior to starting employment
✅ Be available to work onsite in Franklin, WI on a regular basis
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
Which PLC platforms have you used professionally and at which employer?
Do you have experience with electronic control systems and VFD's
Briefly describe a PLC based automation project that you programmed and commissioned and the employer you gained this experience.
Have you programmed Allen Bradley, Siemens, or B&R PLCs in a professional environment?
Experience:
controls engineering: 3 years (Required)
PLC Programming: 3 years (Required)
Siemens TIA Portal: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
Franklin, WI 53132 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
25% (Required)
Work Location: In person