Lead Engineer Controls (Onsite)

Tyson Foods•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 each department and works to meet IT service-level agreements for the organization’s user community. The position plans and directs IT solutions that support mission-critical business operations and works with decision makers across departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective solutions. It also helps define and implement IT policies, standards, procedures, and best practices. The successful candidate provides technical direction and recommendations to team members and IS management; ensures compliance with IS standards and methodology; recommends plans for systems development and operations; and advises on hardware, software, and equipment purchases. The role negotiates with technical personnel and customers, reviews technology selection and maintenance, directs vendors, and stays current on supported systems and technology to help plan future IT initiatives. Other duties may be assigned. Some project-dependent travel may be required. The position is onsite and assigned to first shift. Physical requirements must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

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 technologies, and SQL.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience communicating technical information to non-technical team members.
Advanced understanding and experience with a System Development Lifecycle Methodology.
Experience developing, reviewing, or modifying specifications, configurations, and programs to meet specified requirements.
Experience analyzing and interpreting information systems proposals, evaluating and developing alternative implementation plans, reviewing and developing coding standards, and working productively in a cross-functional team.
Advanced knowledge of relevant multi-user computer systems, applications, and/or equipment.
Knowledge of current technology developments and trends.
Extensive problem-solving skills.
Experience developing and executing integrated test plans.
Basic project management capabilities.
Willingness and ability to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must be able to work onsite on first shift.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on PLC troubleshooting and programming experience, particularly with Schneider Electric / Modicon controls.
Experience working with both newer and legacy control systems.
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, particularly Keyence, Cognex, or SICK platforms.
Ability to diagnose issues across PLC, HMI/SCADA, and connected equipment.
Experience troubleshooting communications among PLCs, scanners, field devices, HMIs, and other plant-floor systems.
Experience supporting older equipment and contributing to controls upgrades, replacements, and modernization.
Strong plant-floor diagnostic ability across controls, electrical systems, communications, and equipment.
Knowledge of PLC programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting in industrial environments, including ladder logic, structured programming, I/O mapping, HMI integration, and interpreting electrical schematics.

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.
Advise on hardware, software, and equipment purchases.
Negotiate with technical personnel and customers regarding services, products, and direction.
Review and advise groups on selecting, using, and maintaining technology solutions.
Provide direction to vendors.
Stay current on technologies used by supported systems to assist with planning future IT initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Support PLC-based controls, plant automation, material-handling equipment, industrial identification systems, and plant-floor troubleshooting, as relevant to the role.
Some travel may be required, depending on project requirements.