Automation & Controls Engineer (On-Site)

Description As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to be part of something truly special – crafting delicious food that brings joy to people's lives. You'll play a vital role in upholding stringent food safety standards, ensuring top-notch product quality, and collaboratively achieving our goals alongside our dedicated team. Moreover, as a family-owned certified B Corporation, you'll actively engage with our broader community, with a strong focus on enhancing employee satisfaction and fostering community engagement.

Join us on our journey not only to create exceptional food but also to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees and the communities we serve. We're looking for a collaborative and technically skilled Automation & Controls Engineer to join our Engineering team. Reporting to the Manager of Maintenance and Engineering, you'll play a key role in designing, implementing, and supporting automation and control systems that drive safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations.

From PLC programming and machine networking to process optimization, troubleshooting, and project management, you'll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of automation initiatives that improve productivity, product quality, and equipment performance. Working closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams, you'll help identify opportunities for continuous improvement while supporting the technologies that keep our operations running smoothly.

What you'll accomplish: Automation Systems Design & Integration Design, develop, and implement automation and control systems that optimize manufacturing processes, packaging operations, and equipment performance. Program, test, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, drives, and industrial control networks to support safe and reliable operations. Integrate new technologies and equipment into existing systems, ensuring compatibility, scalability, and seamless operation across the facility.

Process Optimization & Operational Support Partner with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality. Diagnose complex automation and controls issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective and preventive solutions. Apply machine networking, electrical controls, motor drives, and automation expertise to improve the reliability and performance of manufacturing systems.

Project Leadership & Continuous Improvement Lead automation and controls projects from concept through implementation, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, vendor coordination, and execution. Develop and maintain technical documentation, including electrical schematics, operating procedures, control narratives, and troubleshooting guides. Evaluate emerging technologies and automation solutions to support innovation, operational excellence, and future business needs.

Safety, Compliance & Training Support compliance with food safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including GMP, HACCP, and applicable industry standards. Apply cybersecurity and machine safety best practices, including safety circuits, interlocks, and lockout/tagout procedures, to protect people and equipment. Train and support employees on automation systems, controls, and troubleshooting processes while fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Requirements What you'll need to succeed: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred. 4+years of experience in manufacturing, food & beverage, engineering, operations, technology, or another industrial environment. Hands-on experience programming, troubleshooting, and supporting automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, motion controls, robotics, and industrial networking protocols.

Experience