Principal Engineer Controls

A Taste of Your Responsibilities

• Partner with Platform Engineering leadership to develop annual and three-year capital plans by recommending proven system improvements and automation solutions.
• Support Front End Loading capital project development by preparing thorough FEL1 and FEL3 estimates and technical assessments.
• Provide technology evaluations and recommend best-in-class automation, controls, and integration solutions.
• Conduct factory infrastructure assessments and identify facility requirements for capital projects.
• Support preliminary capital and expense cost estimating activities.
• Collaborate with Engineering Project Managers to develop project design schedules that align with business objectives.
• Review equipment and system performance criteria to ensure operational effectiveness and reliability.
• Support Process and Packaging Engineering teams during Factory Acceptance Testing and Site Acceptance Testing activities.
• Identify project prerequisites, risks, alternative solutions, and opportunities for optimization.
• Develop functional control descriptions for manufacturing systems and unit operations.
• Create and review Technical Briefs that provide clear technical guidance for project teams.
• Develop Business Case Screening scopes and estimates that provide directional project evaluation and business case validation.
• Maintain knowledge of current industry regulations, codes, and standards related to manufacturing automation and control systems.
• Provide technical and economic feasibility analyses that support continuous improvement and competitive advantage initiatives.

Ingredients Required for Your Success

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science.
• 7+ years of experience in electrical and control system design.
• 5+ years of experience working with Rockwell Automation control systems.
• Experience in the food industry preferred.
• Experience with operations and manufacturing conceptual design.
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing automation systems, including networking concepts, programmable logic controllers, variable frequency drives, servo systems, and human machine interfaces.
• Expert-level experience with human machine interface visualization systems, database integration, and SQL Server applications.
• Experience with Inductive Automation Ignition, Rockwell Software, Aveva Wonderware, or similar industrial automation platforms.
• Experience supporting advanced process and packaging controls, including robotic packaging systems, batching systems, and Clean-In-Place systems.
• Experience leading large-scale system integration projects and programs.
• Experience leading internal initiatives and driving cross-functional improvements.
• Knowledge of computer systems, network integration, information technology systems, and cybersecurity principles is preferred.
• Demonstrated success developing long-term strategies, roadmaps, and technical initiatives.
• Proven track record identifying improvement opportunities and implementing sustainable solutions.

Pay

$109,000–$159,000 annually. The actual salary will be based on location, relevant experience, skillset, and internal equity.

Schedule

This position is located in Omaha NE, Chicago IL, select field locations, or remote locations east of Denver, CO and within reasonable proximity (50 miles) to a major airport. Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Physical Requirements

This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, you may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination. You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size. This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary.

Benefits

• Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support, and fitness reimbursement.
• Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k), and stock purchase plan.
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning, and tuition reimbursement.
• Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work schedules (subject to location and role), and volunteer opportunities.