Controls Engineer (2 years experience)

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 5 to over 11+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day

• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore

• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster

• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset

• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits

• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance

• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

• As a Controls Engineer at GEA, , you would be responsible for supporting customers by optimizing GEA centrifugal equipment after delivery, supporting sales development, spearheading R&D efforts for new product development, and much more.

  What You’ll Do:

• Provides electrical design, development, and programming based on approved P&ID (Piping & Instrumentation Diagram) conferring with Team members and management, as necessary. May also require exercising independent judgment.
• Provides solid technical knowledge of automation technologies including sensors, controllers, actuators and industrial networks.
• Supports the design, programming, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of high-speed centrifuges, as well as automated manufacturing systems and equipment at the GEA Janesville facility or customer sites.
• Understands the theory and applications of fluid power, electrical and mechanical technologies, and programmable logic controllers.
• Develop extensive use of problem solving and the troubleshooting skills. Gains hands-on training working on projects that integrate the broad knowledge of automated systems.
• Use a variety of computer-based and electronically controlled systems in process and manufacturing environments.
• Learn skills necessary to program, assemble, install, troubleshoot, repair, and modify machine instrumentation and controls.
• Able to measure voltage, current, resistance for single and three phase alternating current and direct current (AC/DC) sources.
• Apply math to calculate electrical power equation pertinent to the maintenance field.
• Understands electrical control panel and machinery safety standards (UL 508A, NEC, NFPA).
• Able to interpret and modify engineering drawings for electrical control panels as well as P&ID (Piping & Instrumentation Diagram).
• Responsible for the installation and technical support of PLC based hardware and software.
• Assist in the supervision/training of in-house technical personnel as well as customer plant personnel in repairing, overhauling, installing, testing, and inspecting mechanical and electromechanical equipment.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Reviews reports of production, malfunction, and maintenance to determine or address problems.
• Provides electrical and controls support to customers and GEA personnel as needed, including troubleshooting, and hardware/software modifications.
• Maintain and update electrical schematics, engineering drawings for production, and technical documentation for new and existent equipment.
• Works effectively in a Team based work environment.
• Familiarity with process controls, motor controls, instrumentation, automation principles, and industrial networking.
• Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures utilized in machine control systems.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Deadline and detail oriented.
• Familiarity with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human machine Interfaces (HMI) and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). Able to troubleshoots and accomplishes minor program changes with these devices as well.
• On site customer support/start-up.
• Reports to the Electrical Engineering Manager.

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs—we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

What you bring:

• Associate degree or equivalent in Electro-Mechanical Technology

• Minimum 2 years of relevant hands-on experience

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Comfort working with AC/DC systems and 3-phase power

• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings and schematics

• Familiarity with control systems, process automation, and industrial networking

• Experience with programming PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs

• Ability to travel up to 40% across the U.S. and Canada

• At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs—we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

  GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

  Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

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