Controls Engineer

Founded in 1912, Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) is a diversified, Fortune 200 manufacturing company that delivers specialized expertise, innovative thinking and value-added products to meet critical customer needs in a variety of industries. Ranked among Fortune Magazine’s most admired companies, the company focuses on solid growth, improving profitability and strong returns across its worldwide platforms and divisions. These divisions serve customers and markets around the globe, with a significant presence in developed as well as emerging markets.

Vulcan Equipment Division

For more than 150 years, Vulcan has been recognized by chefs and operators around the world as the best-in-class supplier for premier, energy-efficient foodservice cooking equipment. Trusted for durable design, precision performance and state-of-the-art innovation, professionals rely on Vulcan equipment to produce spectacular culinary results each and every time. 

Function:

This position is a key function within Vulcan’s Center of Excellence. As the controls subject matter expert, represent Vulcan in partnership with an external vendor to lead the execution of the controls strategy consisting of controls development, connectivity solutions, and provide best practices in electrical design for commercial cooking equipment.

Self-motivated, you should be curious, inventive, and creative with a proven record of developing new technologies based on customer feedback and market insight.

Strong project management skills and an ability to work independently in both an office and lab environment are required. Equally important is the ability to collaborate with external partners, suppliers and internal resources to achieve product development milestones and growth targets.

• Lead Vulcan controls development across the product portfolio through design, layout, testing, and evaluation of electrical and control systems.  
• Develop connectivity solutions in alignment with the global strategy for a unified connected kitchen.
• Coordinate development efforts with suppliers and in-house personnel to minimize time-to-market while ensuring that New Product Development Stage Gate milestones are completed.
• Pioneer new cooking technologies, including advanced controls and heating systems, to further strengthen Vulcan’s position as an innovator within the food service equipment industry.
• Update existing heating, power, and control systems to improve efficiency while reducing costs, increasing reliability, and decreasing warranty expense.
• Manage and continuously improve in-house testing procedures for reliability, quality, and safety.
• Liaise with product lines to provide best electrical and control practices, as well as help troubleshooting to maintain best in class equipment category.
• Assist in code compliance activities for new and existing products including UL, Energy Star and state level submissions.
• Manage patent applications in conjunction with ITW’s internal legal team to ensure that filings are submitted as necessary while participating in regular technology review meetings.
• As requested, work with and support other ITW Food Equipment Group operations to develop and improve new cooking technologies.
• Learn and embrace the ITW Business Culture to strengthen our unique ITW Competitive Edge.

Education:

Electrical Engineering Degree.

6+ years control circuit design in a food service, commercial or industrial equipment manufacturing environment with hands-on development experience required.

Skills / Ability:

• Professional presence, trustworthy, and independent.
• Proven experience designing controls, connectivity, and power circuits for food service equipment with commercial, industrial, or related equipment experience considered.
• Deep knowledge of hardware, embedded firmware, and the ability to write specifications to align suppliers in support of new product development efforts.
• Knowledge of commercial cooking standards including UL-Standard 197 and NSF/ANSI Standard 4.
• Capable of leading multiple projects simultaneously requiring partner and supplier coordination, hands-on testing, and troubleshooting in the lab.
• Acts with a sense of urgency to create a strong result orientated culture with a keen focus on achievement.
• Schematic design and wiring diagram experience is required in addition to familiarity with mechanical design practices and data acquisition software to support lab testing efforts.
• Routinely uses spreadsheets and other analytical tools to accelerate timelines and exceed expectations.
• Team player that supports co-workers and other internal customers.
• Thrives in an entrepreneurial environment where all employees make informed decisions with known risks understood and shared by all. 

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand or walk 
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, lift, reach and twist to complete all job tasks.
• Must be able to wear all required PPE (i.e., safety glasses, gloves, steel/composite toe safety shoes)

Working Conditions

• R&D Laboratory, Manufacturing, and Office Environment
• Travel up to 30%

 ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.