Controls Supervisor
About The Position
Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America's largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms, Bison, Milk for Life, and Intense Milk. Here, you'll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day. Job Summary: The Controls Technician Supervisor leads the controls and automation team to ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of production systems. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, overseeing installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of electrical and automation systems. The Supervisor also drives continuous improvement initiatives, mentors technicians, and collaborates cross-functionally to support production goals. Must have holiday and weekend availability. Must also be available to work all shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd).
Requirements
- Associate's degree with 5+ years of experience in controls or automation, including supervisory or team lead experience.
- Technical degree or certification in electrical or controls-related field preferred.
- Proven proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMI development, and industrial control networks.
- Strong knowledge of electrical systems, instrumentation, and automation in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with food processing equipment and familiarity with sanitation and safety standards is a plus.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.
- Flexibility to work off-hours and weekends when necessary for maintenance and emergencies.
- Advanced troubleshooting of PLC-based control systems (Rockwell Software preferred).
- Skilled in digital/analog instrumentation and process loop calibration.
- Proficient in configuring industrial networks (Ethernet, DeviceNet, DH+).
- Experienced with 480V 3-phase power distribution and motor control systems.
- Familiar with RSLogix 5/500/5000, FactoryTalk, BOOTP, and WonderWare.
- Capable of reading and interpreting electrical schematics and control diagrams.
- Proficient in using electrical test equipment and diagnostic tools.
- Prior manufacturing experience with PLCs and automation controls.
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
Nice To Haves
- Dairy and/or food processing expertise, particularly in Mixing & Blending, Retort operations, automatic packaging, system and equipment mechanics, and sanitation and safety.
- Proficiency in setting IP addresses using BOOTP and familiarity with software programs such as RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, Factory Talk for programming PLCs, HMIs, and Drive. Experience with WonderWare is a bonus.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate daily activities of Controls Technicians, ensuring timely and effective execution of maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
- Lead efforts in diagnosing and resolving complex electrical and automation issues across production systems.
- Oversee development, modification, and troubleshooting of PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and HMI interfaces.
- Ensure calibration and maintenance of instrumentation devices including sensors, transmitters, and control loops.
- Review and approve electrical installations and repairs, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and maintenance teams to identify and implement process improvements and automation upgrades.
- Maintain accurate documentation of control systems, electrical drawings, and maintenance records.
- Provide technical training and mentorship to Controls Technicians and production staff on control systems and safety protocols.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring equipment failures, implementing preventative measures.
- Evaluate aging or obsolete equipment and recommend upgrades or replacements to maintain operational integrity.
- Support strategic planning for controls infrastructure, including budgeting and resource allocation.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, and other food safety regulations.
- Other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Industry
Animal Production and Aquaculture
Education Level
Associate degree
