Senior Controls Engineer

About the role

The Senior Controls Engineer provides advanced controls engineering expertise to improve productivity, quality, and capacity within an automated dairy manufacturing environment. This role leads controls optimization, supports production and maintenance teams, executes capital projects, and applies emerging technologies to deliver reliable, safe, and high-performing automation solutions across manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Execute electrical, instrumentation, and controls projects in alignment with cost, schedule, performance, and Enterprise Project Management (EPM) standards.
• Improve production efficiency, reliability, and uptime through identification and implementation of controls optimization opportunities.
• Proactively monitor, maintain, and support plant control systems, including network health, controller performance, and obsolescence management.
• Provide advanced production support by troubleshooting complex automation, electrical, and control system issues.
• Establish, maintain, and improve electrical, automation, and controls engineering standards and best practices.
• Manage and oversee the performance of electrical and controls contractors and external engineering resources.
• Coach and train plant maintenance and engineering partners on electrical, automation, and controls topics to build organizational capability.
• Evaluate, test, and apply new and emerging automation technologies to improve safety, performance, and business results.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on capital projects involving automation, controls, and electrical systems.
• Ensure engineering work complies with safety standards, electrical codes, food safety requirements, and company policies.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners including Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and external suppliers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Typically requires a minimum of 5–7 years of professional experience in electrical and controls engineering within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Deep understanding of SCADA, specifically the Ignition platform, both Vision and Perspective.
• Strong experience with control system programming, electrical system design, power distribution, and equipment installations.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting electrical drawings, schematics, and automation documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to identify issues, develop practical solutions, and implement through completion.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts in a business context.
• Able to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-based environment.
• Willingness to support operations during non-typical hours as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in controls engineering, automation, and electrical systems.
• Experience with dairy processing or food manufacturing environments.
• Programming experience with Rockwell Logix 5000 PLCs, motion control systems, PanelView HMIs, and GE iFix.
• Demonstrated technical leadership or informal project leadership experience across multiple technologies.