Electrical / Controls Engineer - Waukegan, IL

Job Purpose

The Electrical/Controls Engineer supports the site in its manufacturing electrical and automation journey by specifying, installing, maintaining, and safeguarding electrical, Industrial Control Systems (ICS), and associated systems. The Engineer collaborates with site and regional teams to augment existing instrumentation and controls capabilities, capture future opportunities, and create road maps for automation projects that support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Control Systems Excellence
  • Maintain and upgrade the site electrical, instrumentation, and control (I&C) systems, including minor changes to switchgears, PLC systems, routine maintenance, backups, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance (PM) and asset life‑cycle planning, spare parts strategy, and personnel training on I&C use and maintenance.
  • Determine necessary OEM and third‑party support contracts for control systems.
  • Provide expertise on electrical, instrumentation, and control system design for capital and expense projects; specify equipment (disconnects, conduits, PLC, I/O, instrumentation), topologies, communication protocols, and collaborate with other engineering disciplines.
  • Develop, update, and maintain the site digital map, including network architecture, equipment locations, IP/MAC addresses, and cable routes.
  • Collaborate with Regional Digital Deployment Teams for digital initiatives such as shutdown management, performance portal, and communication boards.
  • Act as Site Cyber Security Officer to ensure AkzoNobel policies and standards are implemented, conduct periodic risk/vulnerability assessments, work with OEMs to mitigate deficiencies, and lead and train on the control systems security program.
• Process Safety Management
  • Maintain data and records for electrical, I&C systems related to Process Safety Management (PSM) processes, including safe operating limits, control system logic diagrams, loop drawings, and critical process interlocks.
  • Identify critical instrumentation and control system equipment, maintain up‑to‑date lists, and ensure proper maintenance of identified equipment.
  • Participate in plant Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) studies, including HazOps and LOPAs, providing instrumentation and control system expertise for functional safety.
• Collaboration
  • Maintain good working relationships with OEM and third‑party providers of I&C systems; manage contractors and service providers while on site.
  • Liaise with Information Management, OEMs, and contractors to maintain site industrial control system security.
  • Recognize the need for and seek professional advice and/or assistance for areas beyond specific knowledge and experience.
  • Coordinate closely with Digital Architect and ISC Cybersecurity Officer for functional support and guidance.

Job Requirements

• Technical Skills
  • Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, instrumentation engineering, or engineering technology.
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience; experience in a chemical or paints & coatings environment is a plus.
  • Hands‑on control system experience in large, high‑volume manufacturing facilities.
  • Programming and troubleshooting electrical and PLC systems; experience with ABB and Rockwell systems is a plus.
  • Experience with factory digital transformation and automation programs.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity, network architecture, and data collection methodologies.
  • Experience with different communication protocols (Profibus, Modbus, serial, Ethernet, wireless, etc.).
  • Field instrumentation and VFD (ABB and Rockwell) programming and troubleshooting experience.
  • Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS) is a plus.
• Soft Skills
  • Demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with production employees, peers, and manufacturing management.
  • Can work with minimal direct guidance or direction from others.
  • Experience managing multiple projects and working on and/or leading multi‑disciplined teams or workgroups.

Benefits

• Base salary range for this role: $… to $… (may be modified in the future).
• Retirement savings with 6% company match.
• Medical insurance with HSA.
• Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits.
• Generous vacation, sick and holiday pay.
• Annual bonus of 10% Short Term Incentive.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Paid Parental leave after 1 year.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks.
• Employee referral bonus.

Competencies

• Accepting Direction
• Accepting Responsibility
• Acquiring Information

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: #LI-CH3