Ice Cream Controls & Automation Engineer
About The Position
The Controls & Automation Engineer supports and enhances manufacturing operations through automation, process control, and digital integration. The role integrates and synchronizes equipment from multiple OEM vendors into a unified ice cream production line, ensuring systems communicate effectively and operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. It supports the design, integration, commissioning, startup, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems. The engineer works with OEMs, engineering teams, and site stakeholders to coordinate controls across processing, packaging, utilities, and ancillary equipment. The role also supports capital projects, commissioning and validation, operational troubleshooting, maintenance strategies, digital integration, documentation, and continuous improvement. Candidates must be legally authorized to work full-time in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- 3–7 years of experience in automation or controls engineering in manufacturing.
- Strong experience with PLC programming.
- Strong experience with HMI/SCADA systems.
- Strong experience with industrial communication networks.
- Proven experience in equipment integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and external OEMs.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States full-time without current or future employer sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of MES systems, data historians, and analytics tools such as Power BI.
- Exposure to robotics, vision systems, and advanced automation.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems in alignment with OEMs and site teams.
- Lead the integration and synchronization of equipment from multiple OEM vendors into an end-to-end ice cream production line.
- Align control philosophies, communication protocols, interlocks, and sequencing across vendor systems.
- Ensure smooth production-line operation during startup, shutdown, changeovers, and steady-state performance.
- Coordinate system interfaces across processing, packaging, utilities, and ancillary equipment to eliminate functional gaps.
- Support and lead automation scope for capital projects, including line installations, upgrades, and expansions.
- Collaborate with OEMs, engineering teams, and site stakeholders to deliver integrated and optimized systems.
- Support commissioning activities, including FAT, SAT, site integration testing, and performance validation.
- Troubleshoot and resolve automation, controls, and system integration issues.
- Optimize control logic and system performance to improve efficiency, throughput, and consistency.
- Integrate plant automation systems with MES, ERP systems, historians, and data platforms.
- Support development of digital solutions, data collection systems, and performance dashboards.
- Provide automation-related technical support to operations and maintenance teams.
- Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for control systems.
- Conduct root cause analysis to improve equipment reliability and system uptime.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.
- Develop and maintain automation documentation, including control architecture, electrical drawings, functional design specifications, and SOPs.
- Standardize automation systems and ensure compatibility across platforms and technologies.
- Support EEM (Early Equipment Management) and MOC processes for equipment and system changes.
Benefits
- Market-competitive pay and performance-related rewards.
- Flexible ways of working.
- Support for health, wellbeing, and life outside of work.
- Time off to rest and recharge.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Medical, dental, and (where applicable) vision coverage.
- Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
- Health-related savings and spending accounts.
- Retirement savings programs with a competitive matching plan.
- Additional employee perks, such as corporate discounts, commuter support, or learning support.
- Bonus eligibility.
- Life insurance and disability benefits.
- Parental leave and sick leave.
- Paid vacation and holidays.
- Voluntary benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
