The Controls Engineer is responsible for developing controls for our products; improving existing product designs; designing control systems for in-house manufacturing processes and providing technical support for legacy products.This position reports to: The Vice President of Commercial Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead production order projects that have significant controls content from development through installation at the customer site.
• Assign project activities and provide guidance to other team members.
• Lead in-house manufacturing process and process improvement projects.
• Actively participate in establishing project cost estimates, time estimates, and project milestone dates.
• Design cost effective control systems that function with the mechanical systems and satisfy all product performance objectives.
• Create all necessary P & I, interconnect, and control cabinet drawings.
• Develop PLC logic and/or oversee the development of PLC logic by contract control engineers.
• Schedule and chair design review meetings to evaluate proposed product designs.
• Test and troubleshoot all controls and mechanical systems prior to shipping.
• Travel to customer and supplier sites to install, and/or service equipment and components.
• Provide remote and on-site technical support for installed control systems, troubleshooting issues remotely when possible.
• Work closely with colleagues, customers, and suppliers to ensure that all project objectives are met.
• Manage all aspects of the specific product/process development/improvement project.
• Work with a “continuous improvement” mentality. Applying 80/20 principles to focus effort where it has the greatest impact.
• Support our mission, values (teamwork, integrity, dedication, respect, innovation, excellence), and customer message (mindshare, people, added value, digital transformation, and user experience).
• Leverage super intelligence (SI) tools to optimize the efficiency and accuracy of PLC logic and controls code, using them to review, check, and debug programs, drawings, and documentation while applying sound engineering judgement to validate all results.
• Strive to develop new methods and tools that can help our business become more successful.

Who is Kadant Solutions Division? 

Kadant Solutions, based in Auburn, Massachusetts, develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of doctoring, cleaning, filtration, and forming systems and related consumables used in process industries worldwide including construction roofing materials, food processing, metals processing, nonwovens, pulp and paper, textiles and fibers, and tissue.

Why consider joining the Kadant team?

• Kadant was named as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2021-2026 by Newsweek
• Kadant was named as one of America’s Greatest Companies 2025 by Newsweek
• Kadant was named as one of America’s Greenest Companies 2025 by Newsweek
• Kadant was named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024
• 100% of Kadant’s energy comes from renewable sources.
• Kadant serves the pulp and paper industry which has recycled 68% of everything produced and 82% of cardboard since 2009, the highest of any processing industry.
• Kadant serves several process industries including lithium-ion battery production, food processing, metals processing, carbon fiber, nonwovens, textiles, and construction roofing materials.
• At Kadant, our customer-focused innovation allows us to deliver Sustainable Industrial Processing™ engineering services and technologies to help our customers create more value with fewer inputs.

*Equal opportunity employer. Career opportunities are open to all, regardless of an individual's protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state and local laws.

*Diverse and inclusive workplace.

*Competitive wage.

*All benefits are effective upon date of hire.

Our comprehensive benefit package includes:

*Medical, Dental and Vision insurance with best-in-class premiums.

*10 ½ paid holidays.

*401k with match.

*Company paid life insurance benefit

*Disability insurance.

*Aflac insurance.

*Lifelock insurance.

*MetLaw legal assistance.

*Employee assistance program.

*Flexible spending.

*Dependent care.

*Educational assistance.

*Employee stock purchase plan.

"Company Name is not accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this position. If you are a search firm, you will not be compensated in any way for your submission of a candidate, even if Company Name hires that candidate."

A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent, and a minimum of five years of experience with industrial controls is required. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of electrical and pneumatic controls, PLC’s, panel design and construction, process machinery, and power distribution; and must be familiar with the National Electrical Code and able to ensure compliance with other international codes as applicable.

The candidate must be proficient in developing PLC logic and Controls CAD software, capable of “hands-on” troubleshooting of electrical control systems; good organizational, project management, verbal and written communication, and analytical skills; and proficient with Microsoft applications including Excel and Word. Experience with Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000), and Siemens (TIA Portal), PLC platforms required; experience with HMI/SCADA systems such as Factory Talk View or Ignition preferred.

The position requires up to 20% travel for installation and commissioning of production orders, service and troubleshooting, and technical support of products.  Many issues can be supported remotely; when on-site support is required, the engineer is expected to travel to resolve it. Must be capable of working in difficult industrial conditions; (heat, dust, noise etc.). Must be able to adjust work hours as needed to satisfy business and customer commitments.

Note: This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.