Sr. Automation and Controls Engineer

Cresco Labs•Chicago, IL

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Automation & Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting automation and control systems across Cresco Labs’ manufacturing, packaging and other areas. This role focuses on improving equipment reliability, throughput, and data visibility across lab and production environments, while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards. This position plays a key role in scaling operations by integrating new equipment, standardizing control systems across sites, and driving automation initiatives that enhance efficiency, consistency, and traceability. This is a technical, people-leadership role with multiple direct and indirect reporting relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
7+ years of experience in industrial automation within manufacturing or process environments
Hands-on PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation and/or other)
Experience with HMI/SCADA systems (FactoryTalk, Ignition, or similar)
Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC)
Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
Experience with automated packaging systems (filling, labeling, vision inspection)
Experience developing, reviewing, redlining, and approving electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic schematics.
Advanced MS Office skills.
Knowledge of pharmaceutical guidelines (GMP, GDP, ASTM).
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, quantitative, writing, and communication skills.
Must be 21 years of age or older to apply
Must comply with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for current or future sponsorship at any time.

Nice To Haves

CAD Modeling (e.g., AutoCAD / SolidWorks) preferred.

Responsibilities

Design, program, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems
Develop and support control systems for: Extraction and post-processing equipment (hydrocarbon, ethanol, solventless), Distillation, refinement, and formulation systems, Automated packaging lines (filling, capping, labeling, cartoning), BAS and Environmental control systems.
Troubleshoot controls, instrumentation, and system integration issues to minimize downtime
Lead integration of new manufacturing and lab equipment into site-wide control architectures
Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure equipment meets performance and compliance requirements
Drive standardization of controls platforms, architectures, and naming conventions across multiple Cresco facilities
Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and startup activities
Implement and maintain data collection systems for production metrics (OEE, OOE, throughput, downtime, yield)
Support development of dashboards and reporting tools for real-time operational visibility
Analyze system data to identify bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Develop and maintain technical documentation (control narratives, IO lists, P&IDs, SOPs)
Support validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ where applicable) in regulated environments
Lead or support automation scope for capital projects, expansions, and line upgrades
Develop technical specifications and coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, and vendors
Manage controls-related timelines, budgets, and deliverables
Support multi-site rollout of standardized automation solutions
Ability to travel as needed to sites across the U.S. (50% or more).