Electrical Controls Engineer - Sturgis, MI Plant

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Sturgis, MI location in the Abbott Nutrition division. As an Electrical Controls Engineer, you will support manufacturing operations by troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving plant electrical and automation systems. The role focuses on equipment reliability, electrical troubleshooting, controls support, and continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality, and production performance.

What You'll Do

• Design, implement, and maintain electrical systems, control systems, and automation solutions for plant operations
• Support installation, startup, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment and electrical upgrades
• Provide technical support for manufacturing, including new product introductions, equipment startups, and process optimization
• Troubleshoot complex system issues and develop innovative solutions to improve performance and reliability
• Troubleshoot and support plant electrical systems, including motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, instrumentation, safety circuits, and control panels
• Program and support PLCs (Allen Bradley, Modicon), SCADA systems (GE IFIX), HMI platforms (FactoryTalk, Ignition), and data historians (OSIsoft)
• Maintain and improve PLC-based control systems to support equipment reliability and manufacturing performance
• Lead and manage capital projects, including scope definition, scheduling, and coordination with internal teams and external vendors
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation such as specifications, drawings, validation records, and change control documentation
• Drive cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives through process enhancements and new technologies
• Monitor plant performance, identify improvement opportunities, and respond to production issues in real time
• Provide training and technical guidance to operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, GMP standards, engineering standards, and EHS policies
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production, quality, R&D, and engineering teams
• Lead or support project teams and coordinate the efforts of technicians, contractors, and external resources

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical, Computer, Chemical, or related field) or equivalent work experience
• 2+ years of engineering, automation, or project management experience (or advanced education equivalent)
• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical and automation systems in a manufacturing environment, including PLC-controlled equipment, motor controls, instrumentation, VFDs, and electrical distribution systems
• Experience troubleshooting and solving moderately complex technical problems
• Experience with PLC programming (Allen Bradley, Modicon/Schneider Electric)
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, practices, and procedures
• Knowledge of National Electric Code (NEC) and NFPA 70E
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to collaborate across teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work within defined procedures
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience guiding technicians or support personnel
• Ability to work effectively in a regulated environment with attention to compliance and quality

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food, pharmaceutical, or other FDA-regulated industries
• SCADA development experience (GE IFIX)
• HMI programming experience (FactoryTalk, Ignition, GE IFIX)
• Data historian experience (OSIsoft)
• Familiarity with validation processes, change control, and GMP environments
• Experience with capital project management and engineering documentation (RCEs, VCRs, scope documents)
• Experience implementing new manufacturing technologies or process improvements
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment