Senior Controls Engineer
ALKAR-RAPIDPAK, INC. · Lodi, WI
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Controls
- Travel
- 10%
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 60+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior controls role at ALKAR-RAPIDPAK, INC. (industrial) in Lodi, WI. You’ll design the latest automation control systems while collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service.
- They ask for
- 60+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- Root cause, PLC, Automation
- Day to day
- about 10% travel
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Wisconsin: typical posted base $86k–$127k.
Median of the low and high ends of 11 live postings that list pay, out of 27 controls engineer openings in Wisconsin, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Wisconsin plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 26 other live controls postings in Wisconsin.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (60+ vs 3+)
Typical $86k–$127k, from 11 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 67%
- ✓ Automation 67%
- ✓ Root cause 44%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 33%
- Robotics 30%
- Team leadership 26%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at ALKAR-RAPIDPAK, INC.
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting says about 10% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: ALKAR-RAPIDPAK, INC. in Lodi
1 other open role at this site.
- Controls Engineer · Controls
Full description from ALKAR-RAPIDPAK, INC.As posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Position Summary
As a Senior Controls Engineer at Alkar, you’ll design the latest automation control systems while collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service. We’re looking for someone who has a strong technical background and versatility who can shift gears when priorities change, help others, and grow alongside a company that’s still innovating after 60+ years.
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Lead the controls scope for complex equipment projects from initial
requirements
and system architecture through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
- ✓Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
- ✓Define control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
- ✓Serve as a senior technical resource for difficult troubleshooting, root-cause investigation, and resolution of controls issues in the factory, remotely, and at customer sites.
- ✓Review electrical schematics, panel designs, controls documentation, and code for safety, accuracy, maintainability, and compliance with project requirements.
- ✓Improve programming standards, reusable code, system architecture, version control, documentation, and commissioning practices across the Controls team.
- ✓Provide technical guidance and mentorship to controls engineers, electrical designers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and field-service personnel.
- ✓Support customer startups and commissioning, with travel generally limited to up to 10%.
Requirements
- ✓5+ years of experience designing and programming industrial control systems for automated machinery, OEM equipment, or systems-integration projects. Exceptional demonstrated capability may substitute for years of experience.
- ✓Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens experience is a plus.
- ✓Experience with process control, VFDs, servo motion, safety PLCs, instrumentation, and multi-system integration.
- ✓Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and technical controls documentation.
- ✓Ability to manage several active projects while communicating priorities, risks, and technical decisions clearly.
- ✓Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent technical training and experience.
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Description
What Makes You a Great Fit
- •Strong solving problems and hands-on troubleshooting.
- •Adaptable and dependable.
- •Collaborative—able to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams.
- •Organized with attention to detail
- •Effective communicator—clear and professional verbal and written skills.
- •Committed to safety and operational excellence.
- •Priority on quality, support, and doing things the right way.