Controls Specialist

TreeHouse Foods • Wayland, MA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Join our team at our Wayland, MI, facility, home to the production of quality non-dairy creamer products. We are seeking a Controls Specialist to provide hands-on technical expertise supporting plant automation, control systems, and production equipment reliability. In this critical role, you will troubleshoot, maintain, and improve automated systems across the facility, partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance. This position plays a key role in supporting continuous improvement, capital projects, and operational excellence within a food manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is a strong problem solver with a passion for automation, controls, and data-driven improvement, who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology or a related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of two years of controls or automation experience in a manufacturing environment; food, beverage, or CPG experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of industrial electronics, PLCs, HMIs, drives, sensors, and electrical control systems.
• Hands-on experience with installation, troubleshooting, and repair of automated manufacturing or packaging equipment in a sanitary environment.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement concepts; Lean or Six Sigma experience is a plus.
• Experience using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS); SAP Plant Maintenance experience preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve issues related to control systems, automation, and production process equipment.
• Support the installation, maintenance, and optimization of automated processing and packaging equipment.
• Provide hands-on technical support for PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networks, with a strong focus on Allen-Bradley hardware and Rockwell software.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Technical Services, and external vendors on control system design and operational issues.
• Support implementation of automation-related operational and cost-efficiency initiatives using data analysis and structured problem-solving.
• Participate in and support root cause analysis (RCA) and continuous improvement efforts to eliminate recurring equipment and control failures.
• Assist with capital projects, including design reviews, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), commissioning, qualification, and verification activities.
• Ensure proper change management, backup, and documentation of automation programs and control system files.
• Support training of operators and maintenance team members on automation systems, processes, and standards.
• Ensure automation solutions comply with company cybersecurity, IT, and audit requirements.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation related to controls, automation, and job activities.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits program with no waiting period – you’re eligible from your first day!
• 401(k) program with 5% employer match and 100% vesting as soon as you enroll.
• Comprehensive paid time off opportunities, including immediate access to four weeks of vacation, five sick days, parental leave and 11 company holidays (including two floating holidays).
• Leaders who are invested in supporting your accelerated career growth, plus paid training, tuition reimbursement and a robust educational platform – DevelopU – with more than 10,000 free courses to support you along the way.
• An inclusive working environment where you can build meaningful work relationships with a diverse group of professionals.
• Take advantage of opportunities to build on our team-oriented culture, such as joining one of our Employee Resource Groups.
• Access to our wellness and employee assistance programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees