Lead Controls Engineer, Food Manufacturing

Position Overview

Lead Controls Engineer, Food Manufacturing – This Controls Leader will provide key leadership in power and control systems, equipment specification and maintenance, proper operation, technician development, troubleshooting, and repair to achieve or exceed plant reliability targets. The role is responsible for systems optimization, compliance, personnel safety, and the development of technician skills related to plant electrical power and process control systems.

Compensation: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Key Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary administrator and troubleshooter for plant power and control systems; key member within plant technical leadership.
• Provides input to develop and manage power and control standards with the Engineering Projects Manager, ensuring standards are applied on all projects and upgrades.
• Leads execution of the site masterplan for power and control systems, understanding the installed base and managing replacement plans for obsolete equipment and technologies.
• Manages Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) technicians and sets daily direction.
• Ensures technician compliance with local and national regulatory codes (NFPA 70, NFPA 70e, NFPA 79, OSHA 1910) and maintains equipment and safe practice compliance.
• Validates MES data from PLCs and supports Process Engineers by conditioning PLC data for effective data analysis including application development.
• Supports design and implementation of machine control and process automation applications, such as control strategies, HMI design, MES applications, and KPI development.
• Collaborates with engineering and operations to identify losses and develop plans targeting improvements in safety, quality, reliability, and cost.
• Oversees key systems related to power and control such as electrical safety (LOTO, Electrical PPE, Energized work permits, low voltage qualification, etc.) and Quality/CCP compliance.
• Works with engineering and operations leaders on the selection, installation, and start-up of new equipment; serves as the technical expert and facilitates training on control systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering is required
• 5 years of relevant controls experience is required
• Minimum experience: Controls Engineering and Food/Manufacturing Industry (at least 1 year each)

Preferred Qualifications

• Electrical Engineering degree is preferred
• Food/Manufacturing experience is preferred
• Mechanical and electrical experience in food manufacturing is a plus

Benefits & Perks

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance