Associate Controls Engineer

Company:

At Kem Krest, we are more than a supply chain solutions provider - we are a trusted partner to some of the world’s leading automotive, heavy-duty, and powersports OEMs. As a certified minority-owned business, we deliver customized services in packaging, logistics, and compliance with a focus on innovation, quality, and customer success.

With a global network, high-touch service, and a relentless commitment to quality, Kem Krest is the go-to partner for companies seeking to streamline operations, reduce costs, and accelerate growth. Join us and be part of a team that’s passionate about making supply chains smarter, and partnerships stronger.

Opportunity:

Kem Krest is seeking an Associate Engineer to provide hands-on engineering and technical support across manufacturing operations. This role will play an important part in maintaining and improving production equipment, workcells, processes, and documentation with a focus on reliability, safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

The Associate Engineer will work closely with operations and engineering partners to troubleshoot equipment, support PLC programming, execute preventive maintenance strategies, maintain VKS work instructions, support Keyence camera systems, and apply lean manufacturing principles to continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot workcells, machinery, tooling, PLC-controlled equipment, and production processes to support safe and reliable operations.
• Support PLC programming activities associated with manufacturing equipment, processes, and operational improvements.
• Design, develop, and execute preventive maintenance activities to improve equipment reliability and support a proactive maintenance approach.
• Create, maintain, and update VKS work instructions and other part and process documentation, including changes resulting from engineering change orders.
• Support and troubleshoot Keyence camera systems used within manufacturing processes.
• Analyze workflows, equipment, and production processes to identify improvement opportunities and apply lean manufacturing principles to process and product optimization.
• Support capacity and throughput analysis by collecting operational data, maintaining capacity information, understanding labor standards, and evaluating process flow.
• Conduct ergonomic assessments, identify non-ergonomic conditions, and partner with operations to implement effective solutions, including improvements resulting from near misses or safety incidents.
• Support problem solving and root cause analysis by evaluating potential solutions against operational, customer, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Execute assigned engineering and project management activities, collaborating with operations partners while proactively identifying and escalating project risks.

Your Contributions:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, or 3+ years of relevant, equivalent experience.

• PLC programming capability and hands-on troubleshooting skills for manufacturing equipment, workcells, tooling, and machinery.
• Experience designing and executing preventive maintenance activities within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation and VKS work instructions.
• Working knowledge of Keyence camera systems; experience with Kepware is a plus.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles, root cause analysis, process optimization, capacity analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to understand and follow applicable industry standards, customer requirements, Quality Management System procedures, regulatory requirements, and safety standards. Lean or Six Sigma certification is preferred.

Why Kem Krest?

• Competitive Salary
• Annual Bonus Program
• Immediate Health Benefits
• Free On-site Clinics & Prescriptions
• 401K Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Generous PTO & Holiday
• Parental Leave
• Supplier Discounts