Controls Engineer

Pacific Coast Producers (PCP), a growing agricultural cooperative, is seeking a talented and experienced Controls Engineer to join our Production Facility in Woodland, CA. PCP is dedicated to investing in its people and fostering a culture of service, where each employee can do their best to make affordable, high-quality food for customers across North America.

About the role

As a Controls Engineer, you’ll combine technical expertise and project management skills to develop, implement, and support automation and control solutions that improve equipment reliability, production efficiency, and overall product quality.

Reporting to the Plant Manager, you’ll design, program, and support control systems and equipment to ensure our manufacturing processes operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Supervise maintenance staff, including technicians and electricians, to ensure proper troubleshooting methods and technical training.
• Lead and assist with complex troubleshooting, programming, and control strategy development.
• Design, implement, and maintain control systems for new and existing production equipment.
• Manage electrical installations, maintenance, and safety in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Identify and implement energy conservation and process improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with production teams to define and solve equipment or design challenges and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Perform all duties in compliance with customer, regulatory, and company food safety and quality standards.
• Undertake additional duties as needed.

Requirements

• Five (5) or more years of experience in electrical or industrial controls engineering.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends during our Pack Season (July-October).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and expertise in three-phase electrical distribution and control.
• In-depth knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E.
• Proficiency in PLC/HMI troubleshooting and program development using Rockwell Automation platforms (Ladder Logic, Function Block, Structured Text, FactoryTalk View).
• Solid understanding of instrumentation and process controls in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of advanced control theory, including PID loop control, motion control, ControlNet, Ethernet/IP, and user-defined tag structures.
• Experience with Microsoft Server, networking, domain administration, and SQL Server development.
• Effective communication with operations management, maintenance staff, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Ability to learn, understand, and apply new technologies, and work independently.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience supervising and directing maintenance technicians, electrical technicians, or controls staff in a high-volume facility.
• Experience with project management, industrial instrumentation, and control systems integration.
• Previous experience in a food manufacturing or process industry environment.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with opportunities for advancement.
• Annual profit-sharing bonus program.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, starting the first of the month after you join us.
• Retirement plans to support your long-term security.
• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, parental leave, sick leave, and bereavement.
• Life and disability insurance plus an Employee Assistance Program.
• Development opportunities through online courses, classroom training, and on-the-job growth.

Pay

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000/year (based on experience).

Schedule

This is a full-time, on-site role based out of our production facility in Woodland, CA. Ability to work evenings and weekends during Pack Season (July-October).

About PCP

Pacific Coast Producers, a cooperative owned by more than 165 family farmers who cultivate and transport diverse produce like tomatoes, peaches, pears, grapes, cherries, and others, was founded in 1971. The company operates processing and packaging facilities in California and Oregon and has a workforce of over 3,000 employees. PCP is committed to delivering top-quality products to customers in all channels of trade, such as foodservice distributors and grocery retailers throughout the United States and Canada.

Our Woodland tomato production facility is a leader in the industry, using state-of-the-art technology to produce diced, crushed, stewed tomatoes, sauces, and paste. Our investment in innovation, sustainability, and product quality makes this an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and stable organization.

Our facility is located in Woodland, CA, a charming city in Yolo County, known for its rich agricultural history and small-town charm. With a historic downtown area, a thriving arts scene, and close proximity to Sacramento, Woodland offers a unique blend of rural and urban living.