Controls Engineer-Field Technicians

Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

About Us

Akona Process Solutions unites four trusted brands—Spiroflow, Kason, Cablevey, and Marion—to deliver advanced material handling and processing systems. With over 200 years of combined expertise, we design mixers, dryers, screeners, conveyors, and complete bulk handling solutions that enhance efficiency, hygiene, and performance across food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and chemical industries. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Akona serves customers worldwide through centers of excellence in the USA, UK, and Germany.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S

Job Summary

The Controls Engineer supports control systems across industrial projects through a balance of office-based production support and customer site field work. This role is approximately 50% focused on supporting production activities, including hardware and electrical design as needed, and 70% focused on travel for installation supervision, commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and warranty support. The position works closely with internal teams and supports customer-facing field execution as part of a broader project and service team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

​​Commissioning and Field Execution:

· ​Lead and support on-site commissioning and startup of control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA platforms.

· ​Execute system testing, I/O checkout, and validation to ensure proper operation and performance.

· ​Troubleshoot and resolve issues during startup and early operation phases.

· ​Provide technical leadership during field activities and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.

· ​Oversee installation of control panels, field devices, and associated electrical systems.

​Control System Design and Development:

· ​Design, develop, and implement control systems for industrial applications, including PLCs, SCADA, and HMI.

· ​Develop control logic, system architecture, and programming in alignment with company standards.

· ​Analyze process requirements and translate them into effective and reliable control strategies.

· ​Integrate control systems with other platforms such as MES, ERP, and third-party equipment.

​Hardware and Electrical Design (as needed to support production):

· ​Develop and modify electrical designs including control panels, I/O layouts, and wiring schematics.

· ​Select and specify hardware components (PLCs, drives, instrumentation, safety devices) to meet application requirements.

· ​Support panel design, layout, and review to ensure manufacturability and compliance with standards.

· ​Collaborate with production and manufacturing teams to resolve design issues and support build activities.

· ​Update drawings and documentation to reflect as-built conditions and field changes.

​Customer and Cross-Functional Collaboration:

· ​Support customer interactions during installation, commissioning, and support activities alongside project or service leads.

· ​Collaborate with engineering, project management, and service teams to ensure successful project delivery.

· ​Provide clear communication on system status, issues, and resolutions.

​Warranty and Lifecycle Support:

· ​Support field and warranty-related control system issues in coordination with project managers, service leads, or primary customer contacts.

· ​Assist with root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions for system failures.

· ​Contribute to ongoing system improvements and upgrades based on field feedback.

· ​Ensure lessons learned are incorporated into future designs and standards.

​Compliance and Safety:

· ​Ensure control systems comply with applicable safety standards and regulations (e.g., NEC, NFPA, IEC, ISO).

· ​Support risk assessments and implementation of safety features such as interlocks and emergency stops.

· ​Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of control system designs and updates.​

Location – Monroe NC

Travel Requirements 70%

This is an onsite position when not traveling

Physical Activity

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

Working from heights such as roofs, ladders, or powered lifts.

Moving in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including awkward or tight and confined spaces.

Adjusting or moving objects to up 50 pounds

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

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