A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is required.
At least 3 years of hands-on electrical engineering experience in a manufacturing, automation, or industrial environment is required.
Experience with programmable logic controller programming and troubleshooting is required.
Experience with human-machine interface systems is required.
Experience with machine controls and automation systems is required.
Experience with sensors, drives, and industrial communication networks is required.
Ability and willingness to work extensively on the production floor diagnosing and resolving automation, controls, and equipment performance issues is required.
A strong understanding of equipment functionality and how automated systems integrate into production environments is required.
Ability to diagnose and resolve controls-related issues in a manufacturing setting is required.
Experience managing engineering projects and working with cross-functional teams is required.
Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills are required.
Responsibilities
Lead automation, controls, and manufacturing equipment improvement projects.
Troubleshoot and resolve programmable logic controller, human-machine interface, 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.
Provide technical solutions for new and existing production applications while expanding the organization's expertise in automation, controls, and system integration.
Collaborate with customers, operations, maintenance, vendors, and leadership to execute capital projects, improve equipment performance, and support manufacturing operations.
Work directly with production equipment and automation systems, troubleshooting controls-related issues, supporting equipment startups, identifying root causes of equipment failures, and implementing sustainable solutions.
Desired Qualifications
Experience with system integration, machine automation, and process controls is preferred.
Understanding of electrical schematics, panel layouts, and control system architecture is preferred.
Working knowledge of packaging, converting, liquid processing, or consumer product manufacturing environments is preferred.
Mechanical aptitude and understanding of production equipment and machine design are preferred.
Project Engineer
Kleen Test Products · Port Washington, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-08-20
Workplace: on_site
Department: Office
Description
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 is making sure every employee goes home in the same condition they came to work.
Collaborative Environment: We foster strong working relationships built on mutual respect, teamwork, and support.
Opportunity for Growth: Whether you want to advance within your department or explore other areas of the company, we provide clear pathways for development and promotion.
Fast-Paced & Rewarding: Our ever-changing environment keeps things exciting—your days will fly by!
Comprehensive Benefits Package
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your health, well-being, and future:
Health & Wellness
Medical insurance with prescription drug coverage
Comprehensive dental insurance
FREE company-funded Basic Life & AD&D Insurance (plus voluntary options)
FREE Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance (plus voluntary options)
Voluntary life and disability coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for medical and dependent care
Prescription safety glasses cost-sharing
FREE financial wellness tools and counseling
Paid time off for preventive care appointments
FREE Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families
Retirement & Financial Planning
401(k) plan with employer match to help you invest in your future
Tuition Reimbursement & continuing education support
Nicotine-cessation aid reimbursement
Onsite Health Risk Assessments
Work-Life Balance & Perks
Paid vacation (with increased accrual based on seniority)
Company-paid holidays
Fitness membership discounts
Employee discounts on AT&T and Verizon wireless plans