Lead Engineer Controls (Onsite)

Tyson Foods, Inc.•Springdale, AR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Engineer Controls oversees and provides expert technical direction for technology-based processes. The role develops and manages technical environments for departments and works to meet IT service level agreements for the organization’s user community. The Lead Engineer plans and directs IT solutions that enhance mission-critical business operations, collaborating with decision makers across departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective solutions. The role also helps define and implement IT policies, standards, procedures, and best practices. The position supports industrial controls and plant automation, including PLC-based control systems, SCADA/HMI, production and material-handling equipment, industrial networks, and related systems. It supports both newer and legacy controls, contributes to upgrades and modernization, and investigates root causes across controls, electrical, communications, and equipment. Some travel may be required depending on project requirements. The role is onsite and works the first shift.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or another technical area; equivalent work experience may be acceptable.
At least 6 years of experience in Information Systems or a related area, with proven programming experience.
Strong knowledge of multiple technologies, including SCADA (Ignition and iFix), 4GL programming, scripting, server-based systems, and SQL.
Knowledge of PLC programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting in industrial environments.
Experience with ladder logic and structured programming, I/O mapping, HMI integration, and interpreting electrical schematics to diagnose faults and restore uptime.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to non-technical team members.
Advanced understanding and experience with a System Development Lifecycle Methodology.
Experience analyzing and interpreting information systems proposals and evaluating and developing alternative implementation plans.
Advanced knowledge of relevant multi-user computer systems, applications, and/or equipment.
Knowledge of current technology developments and trends.
Extensive problem-solving skills.
Basic project management capabilities.
Willingness and ability to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Strong hands-on PLC troubleshooting and programming experience, particularly with Schneider Electric / Modicon.
Experience working with both newer and legacy controls.
Experience troubleshooting automated production and material-handling equipment in a live manufacturing environment.
Controls experience with conveyors, motors/drives, sensors, photo eyes, interlocks, sequencing, and related material-handling equipment.
Experience integrating and troubleshooting industrial barcode, scanning, or vision equipment; Keyence, Cognex, and SICK experience is relevant.
Ability to troubleshoot industrial communications among PLCs, scanners, field devices, HMIs, and other plant-floor systems.
Experience diagnosing issues across PLC, HMI/SCADA, and connected equipment.
Experience supporting older equipment and contributing to controls upgrades, replacements, and modernization.
Strong plant-floor diagnostic ability across controls, electrical, communications, and equipment.

Responsibilities

Provide technical direction and recommendations to team members and IS management.
Understand and ensure compliance with IS standards and methodology.
Recommend and develop plans for systems development and operations.
Support decisions concerning hardware, software, and equipment purchases.
Negotiate with technical personnel and customers regarding services, products, and direction.
Review and advise groups on the selection, use, and maintenance of technology solutions.
Provide direction to vendors and stay current on technologies used by the organization to help plan future IT initiatives.
Program, commission, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems in industrial environments.
Troubleshoot automated production and material-handling equipment in a live manufacturing environment.
Diagnose issues across PLC, HMI/SCADA, connected equipment, and industrial communications.
Support controls upgrades, replacements, and modernization efforts while maintaining older equipment.
Develop, review, and modify specifications, configurations, and programs to meet requirements.
Analyze information systems proposals and evaluate or develop alternative implementation plans.
Review and develop coding standards and work productively with cross-functional teams.
Develop and execute integrated test plans.
Other duties as assigned.