Control Engineer

Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for consumer and business-to-business markets that has been voted as a Top 100 workplaces in the Chicago Tribune. Oil-Dri’s products are sold in the pet care, animal health, fluids purification, agricultural, sports field, industrial and automotive markets. Oil-Dri controls millions of tons of specialty mineral reserves, including calcium bentonite, attapulgite, and diatomaceous shale. The company’s mines and manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, and California. Oil-Dri is a family-controlled and operated organization that emphasizes honesty, integrity, and accountability. The company is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to Create Value From Sorbent Minerals.

Role Overview

The Controls Engineer II is responsible for designing, constructing, and improving manufacturing equipment, systems, processes, and facilities. This role focuses on integrating field devices into complex process control schemes to enhance production efficiency, quality, and reduce operator input.

Key Responsibilities

- Integrate process controls into existing operations to improve rates, yield, quality, and reduce operator input.

- Lead and manage projects independently, handling complex scopes in processing, packaging, and mining, including projects over $1 million.

- Demonstrate expertise in Allen Bradley process controls and Historian Data Management tools for monitoring and analyzing data.

- Scope projects for process improvement using data-driven insights.

- Assemble, train, and lead teams for project completion at a global level, effectively managing resources outside direct control.

- Collaborate to create and manage project documentation, including P&IDs, layouts, schedules, cost estimates, and project economics.

- Conduct engineering calculations for material/energy balances and equipment sizing.

- Provide guidance to consultants, contractors, and service providers.

- Offer engineering expertise to support maintenance and operations teams.

- Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, providing updates on project progress and objectives.

- Document and train teams on new processes to support multiple departments.

- Maintain project records and ensure compliance with company standards.

- Collaborate closely with operations and maintenance teams for continuous feedback and integration of practical ideas.

- Develop cost estimates and manage project budgets, approvals, and expenditure tracking.

- Ensure compliance with safety policies and proactively work toward company goals.

- Maintain confidentiality and be willing to travel up to 20% as required, with occasional extended stays.

- Use data gathered to determine the scope of work that can result in process improvement.

- Make engineering calculations related to material and energy balances, equipment sizing, selection of materials, structural design, etc.

- Provide clear and effective guidance to consultants, contractors, and other outside services under your direction.

- Provide engineering services and expertise to maintenance and operating managers.

- Document projects and processes and provide training as required to support operations, maintenance, procurement, finance, and others as needed.

- Maintain project records according to established policies.

- Consult exhaustively with operations and maintenance at every step to ensure their needs are met and their ideas are considered when appropriate.

- Build effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, and workers.

- Endorse or make cost estimates for capital projects and initiate capital requests.

- Direct activities and approve expenditures for the projects you manage.

- Confirm and approve project invoices.

- Maintain and report performance against budget, including amounts committed, paid, and forecast to complete.

- Perform other duties as required.

- Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures, and report any unsafe activities to Management and/or Human Resources.

- Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.

- Apply effective written and verbal communication.

- Protect confidential information by not communicating, disclosing, or using it for the benefit of third parties.

- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Science, or equivalent is required.

- 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with exposure to process control design, packaging, and plant infrastructure.

- Certification in Project Management is preferred.

- Experience with solids handling, combustion, drying operations, milling, screening, and environmental compliance.

Technical Skills

- Proficiency in Allen Bradley ControlLogix PLC, Ethernet/IP network, instrumentation, and controls.

- Power Distribution – Three-phase power (480 VAC) design and troubleshooting.

- Layout, specification, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of switchgear and panel boards.

- Troubleshoot contactors and relays based on schematic drawings.

- Experience with Allen Bradley PanelView, AB Servo, AB VFD drives, and HMI programming.

- Familiarity with VFDs, encoders, and network controls (Ethernet).

- Advanced math skills, including statistical analysis and the application of various mathematical concepts.

- Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills.

Additional Skills

- Strong leadership, communication, and project management abilities.

- Proficiency in project management, database, and spreadsheet software.

- Willingness to work extended hours as needed, including weekends.

- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work with minimal supervision.

Certifications

- Project Management certification (e.g., PMI) or equivalent project management experience is recommended.

Benefits

- 401(k) with 6% match (Fully Vested at 2 Years)

- Annual Incentive Bonus

- Annual Merit increase opportunity

- Employee Stock Purchase Plan

- Paid Holidays

- Paid Parental Leave

- Fitness & Gym Reimbursement

- Employer Contribution - Health, Dental, Vision

Oil-Dri is committed to providing equal opportunity for all teammates and qualified candidates without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Accordingly, all employment decisions and personnel actions or programs such as hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, transfers, reductions in workforce, and training, etc. will be consistent with the principle of equal employment opportunity.