Sr. Engineering Project Manager - Controls

Based in OH, NE, CA, or AR with up to 50% travel to support projects.

About the role

Lead the integration of advanced automation, Industry 4.0 technologies, and robust controls networks across our manufacturing footprint. You will run multi-million dollar capital investment projects from technical scoping to final handover, bridging traditional plant-floor controls and modern Factory IT.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 5+ years’ experience in a comparable technical position or 10+ years’ controls experience within the Food and Beverage industry.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial low-voltage electrical systems, instrumentation, PLCs, and HMI/SCADA interfaces (e.g., Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)/Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) systems, Factory IT Systems (physical/virtual servers, networks), and Factory Cyber Security is a plus.
• Demonstrated success managing capital projects (scheduling, managing contractors, and controlling budgets).
• Proven ability to work in a team environment and on high-performing teams.
• Strong communication, listening, and influencing skills.
• Ability to travel up to 50% to support plant commissioning, critical project startups, and technical handovers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Electrical or Electronics Engineering or other related electrical or controls degree.
• 5+ years’ experience in a comparable technical position within food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or related industries.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or MOM platforms.
• Familiarity with Factory IT Environments (virtualized servers, industrial networking protocols, and factory cybersecurity frameworks).

Responsibilities

• Technology Research, Evaluation, and Selection: Research and evaluate emerging digitalization and automation technologies to identify solutions for specific project requirements in collaboration with regional and global engineering.
• Deliver several capital investment projects simultaneously, from technical scoping with internal stakeholders through design with third parties to project closure.
• System Integration and Implementation: Oversee integration and implementation of digitalization and advanced automation systems within existing manufacturing infrastructure. Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to ensure seamless deployment and adherence to project timelines.
• Collaboration and Automation: Collaborate with controls engineers and IT/automation engineers to tailor solutions for optimal performance to meet manufacturing process requirements.
• Compliance and Standards Adherence: Ensure digitalization and automation projects comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, safety, and quality guidelines.
• Risk Management: Identify and manage project risks associated with digitalization and automation initiatives. Mitigate potential issues and resolve project-related challenges.
• Handover to Operations: Facilitate transition of completed projects to operations and technical teams. Ensure systems are properly commissioned, tested, and handed over for ongoing maintenance and support.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Provide regular updates on project status, milestones, and deliverables.
• Budget and Resource Management: Manage project budgets and resources effectively to ensure cost-efficient execution. Monitor expenditures, allocate resources, and track progress against financial targets.
• Training and Knowledge Transfer: Provide training and support to end-users and operational staff on using and maintaining digitalization and automation systems. Facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development.
• Vendor and Supplier Management: Collaborate with external vendors and suppliers to procure hardware, software, and services. Negotiate contracts, manage vendor relationships, and ensure deliverables meet quality standards.

Benefits

• Ability to influence across 14 sites in the Pet Nutrition North American network.
• Work with over 130,000 like-minded and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
• Industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role. This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.