Project Engineer

Project Engineer (Controls & Automation)

Join our team at Kleen Test Products!

As one of the largest contract manufacturers and packagers of wet wipes, liquids, and other consumer products in North America, Kleen Test Products (KTP) has built a reputation for delivering quality, innovation, and reliability to our partners. We're growing fast and looking for a motivated Project Engineer (Controls & Automation) to join our team in Port Washington, WI.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working directly with manufacturing equipment, automation systems, and cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Position Summary

The Project Engineer's primary purpose is to provide technical solutions for new and existing production applications while expanding the organization's expertise in automation, controls, and system integration. This position will collaborate with customers, operations, maintenance, vendors, and leadership to successfully execute capital projects, improve equipment performance, and support manufacturing operations.

This is a full-time onsite position (Monday through Friday) based in Port Washington, WI. The majority of this role will be spent on the manufacturing floor working directly with production equipment and automation systems. Success in this position requires a hands-on approach, including troubleshooting controls-related issues, supporting equipment startups, identifying root causes of equipment failures, and implementing sustainable solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

A strong emphasis is placed on electrical controls, automation systems, PLCs, HMIs, machine integration, and troubleshooting complex production equipment. Candidates with an understanding of mechanical systems and manufacturing processes will be especially successful in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation, controls, and manufacturing equipment improvement projects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve PLC, HMI, machine control, and system integration issues on the production floor.
• Support installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment and production lines.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement long-term solutions to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and vendors to optimize manufacturing processes and drive continuous improvement.

Work Environment

• Full-time onsite position located in Port Washington, WI.
• Standard schedule of Monday-Friday with flexibility to support critical project implementations and equipment troubleshooting as needed.
• Majority of time spent on the manufacturing floor rather than in an office environment.
• Frequent interaction with production teams, maintenance personnel, vendors, and engineering staff.
• Requires a hands-on approach to equipment troubleshooting, controls diagnostics, machine startups, and continuous improvement activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on electrical engineering experience in a manufacturing, automation, or industrial environment.
• Experience working with:
• PLC programming and troubleshooting
• HMI systems
• Machine controls and automation systems
• Sensors, drives, and industrial communication networks
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work extensively on the production floor diagnosing and resolving automation, controls, and equipment performance issues.
• Strong understanding of equipment functionality and how automated systems integrate into production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve controls-related issues in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience managing engineering projects and working with cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Experience with system integration, machine automation, and process controls.
• Understanding of electrical schematics, panel layouts, and control system architecture.
• Working knowledge of packaging, converting, liquid processing, or consumer product manufacturing environments.
• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of production equipment and machine design.

Benefits

Our Culture at Kleen Test Products

At KTP, we believe people are our greatest asset. Here's what you can expect when you join our team:

• Safety First: Your well-being matters—our #1 priority i