Controls Engineer

Position Overview

Providing safe and quality food is the job of all House of Flavors employees. As a Controls Engineer reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will be a key technical resource in designing, implementing, and maintaining PLC controls, automation, and electromechanical systems that drive plant operations. This role requires flexibility in working hours to support Maintenance, Engineering, and Operations while ensuring that regulatory and food industry compliance standards (including OSHA, FDA, and SQF guidelines) are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, servo motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and robotic systems.
• Lead the development, integration, and implementation of automation solutions to enhance process efficiency, reliability, and safety.
• Maintain and update control system documentation including electrical schematics, ladder logic diagrams, control narratives, and software backups.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Operations to troubleshoot and resolve control system issues ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and lead projects to enhance automation, controls, and system reliability.
• Work with external service providers and vendors to evaluate, install, and commission automation equipment and software solutions.
• Provide technical guidance on capital projects involving automation and control systems.
• Assist in training Maintenance Technicians and Operations personnel on automation systems.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support facility maintenance, production, and operational enhancements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field is preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or a related field; experience in a food manufacturing environment is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent), and in developing SCADA and HMI systems.
• Strong knowledge of motor controls, servo systems, VFDs, networking, and industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus).
• Demonstrated ability to read and create technical documentation including electrical schematics, ladder logic diagrams, and control narratives.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to work under flexible hours and meet demanding physical requirements (standing, walking, climbing ladders, etc.).