Ice Cream Controls & Automation Engineer

The Magnum Ice Cream Company•Covington, TN

43d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled Controls & Automation Engineer to support and enhance manufacturing operations through automation, process control, and digital integration. This role is critical in integrating and synchronizing equipment from multiple OEM vendors into a single, seamless ice cream production line, ensuring all systems communicate effectively and operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. The role will support design, integration, commissioning, startup, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field
3–7 years of experience in automation/controls engineering in manufacturing
Strong experience with: PLC programming
HMI/SCADA systems
Industrial communication networks
Proven experience in equipment integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting
Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and external OEMs
Knowledge of MES systems, data historians, and analytics tools (e.g., Power BI)
Exposure to robotics, vision systems, and advanced automation
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems aligned with OEM and site team.
Lead integration and synchronization of equipment from multiple OEM vendors into a seamless end-to-end ice cream production line
Align control philosophies, communication protocols, interlocks, and sequencing across all vendor systems
Ensure smooth operation of the full production line including 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
Work closely with OEMs, engineering teams, and site stakeholders to deliver fully 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 to ensure reliable operations
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 technical support to operations and maintenance teams for automation-related issues
Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for control systems
Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) 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 different 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
Health and wellbeing support, including employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives
Health-related savings and spending accounts
Retirement savings programs with a competitive matching plan
Additional employee perks (e.g., corporate discounts, commuter or learning support)