Controls Engineer

Job description

Position Overview: We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Instrument/Electrical Engineer to join our dynamic team in a high-tech manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will play a key role in maintaining, designing, and optimizing electrical and instrumentation systems critical to our manufacturing operations. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless operation, efficiency, and reliability of cutting-edge production equipment and processes. The Instrument and Electrical Engineer will be responsible for developing and implementing innovative solutions, conducting system analysis, and providing technical expertise to support ongoing maintenance and upgrades of complex machinery and instrumentation systems. The role requires a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles, instrumentation design, and familiarity with automated control systems within a fast-paced, high-volume production setting. Key Responsibilities: Design, maintain, and optimize electrical and instrumentation systems to support advanced manufacturing processes. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to control systems, instrumentation, and automation to minimize downtime. Collaborate with manufacturing and operations teams to identify system improvements and implement solutions. Perform system analysis, diagnostics, and testing to ensure equipment functionality, efficiency, and safety. Develop and support preventative maintenance programs and oversee their execution. Ensure compliance with safety standards, industry regulations, and company policies in all engineering projects. Work with vendors and suppliers to select, procure, and integrate new technologies and systems as needed. Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance equipment performance and system reliability. Prepare technical documentation, including system schematics, maintenance manuals, and technical reports. Knowledge, Skills & ​​ Abilities: Proficiency with control systems (e.g. Siemens), PLC programming, sensors, actuators, and other instrumentation technologies. Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities with a focus on root cause analysis. Familiarity with industry-standard software for system design, simulation, and analysis (e.g., EPLAN, MATLAB, or similar tools). Excellent communication and teamwork skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Experience with industrial safety standards and regulatory compliance (e.g., ISO, IEC, NFPA, etc.) preferred. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a related technical discipline . Experience: Proven experience (3–5 years) in electrical engineering, instrumentation, or automation, preferably within a high-tech manufacturing environment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, move, sit, carry, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, lift, climb stairs and ladders, work in elevated platforms, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk and hear. May be required to lift and move boxes or packages not exceeding 40 pounds in weight. Some work stress inherent to the position and extended work hours may be required. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work will mainly be conducted on the manufacturing floor. This may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes, confined space, or airborne particles. Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in the manufacturing plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, Arc flash gear, and any other protective equipment, as required. DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required of personnel so classified. The reporting relationship may not reflect the most recent changes to the corporate reporting structure. Who we are: We are on a mission to become a leading supplier of critical materials that enable the green energy and technology revolution. Our materials and technologies are required for the electric vehicle, green energy, consumer electronics, and defense industries, and our battery grade lithium and tech metals are needed for chipsets, semiconductors, and 5G. We have a substantial interest in the Round Top, Heavy Rare Earth, Lithium and Critical Minerals deposit in West Texas. We have also developed the United States’ first rare earth and critical minerals processing facility and we own the only scalable, sintered neo-magnet manufacturing system in the Western Hemisphere. By developing this fully integrated, US-based “mine-to-magnet” critical mineral supply chain, we are poised to become the leading domestic supplier to these industries. What you can expect: At USA Rare Earth, we are pioneers and problem solvers, technologists and team players. Together, we: Build Solutions : If our task was a simple one, it would already be done. We are creative and solution-oriented, and we think outside the box to solve important problems. We know that a range of expertise and technologies is needed for success, and we work across sectors and alongside customers to deliver world-class solutions in sustainable ways. Deliver Quality : When we do things, we do them well. We believe that top-tier quality leads to industry competitiveness and we hold ourselves to the highest quality standards. We move fast when executing, but safety, quality, and excellence always come first. Lead responsibly : We have a responsibility to the planet, our consumers, our country, and each other. We put safety at the center of all we do, take accountability for our actions, incorporate sustainable practices in our processes and act with the financial best interest of our investors and consumers in mind. Win Together : Establishing a rare earth magnet supply chain is a big undertaking – and getting there is a team effort. We communicate openly, work together and challenge each other in pursuit of our goals. With every step we take we learn and get better.