Lead Engineer Controls (Onsite)

Tyson Foods•Springdale, AR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position's primary responsibility is to lead the Smart Factory "Are We Winning" Program's Connectivity Effort across Tyson Foods' production facilities. This is a hands-on technical role as much as a program-management role — the individual will personally perform connectivity configuration and troubleshooting, not simply direct others who do. The program workflow involves working with plant leadership to identify key processing equipment requiring connectivity, working directly with plant technical personnel and machine OEMs to design the connectivity plan (including hands-on evaluation of PLC architecture, network topology, and data availability at the machine), personally configuring, testing, and troubleshooting connectivity (protocol setup, PLC data mapping, and network integration), stepping in as the technical resource when plant or contractor capability falls short, working with plant leadership, technical personnel, integrators, contractors, and corporate finance on cost estimates, project plans/timelines, and CIR building, driving execution across all teams and personnel involved to ensure each project delivers on schedule and at cost, and managing 10–20 projects simultaneously.

Requirements

5+ years working with plant processes and equipment, including direct, hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting machine connectivity — not solely oversight or coordination of others performing the work.
Strong, hands-on knowledge of machine PLCs and industrial connectivity/networking (e.g., OPC-UA, MQTT, Ethernet/IP, or comparable protocols).
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Strong verbal and written communication.
Demonstrated ability to translate technical information for non-technical stakeholders and vice versa.
Builds rapport quickly with plant teams and develops strong long-term relationships.
Performs the technical work personally when needed, rather than relying solely on others to execute.
Thrives in ambiguity and operates as a self-starter.
Responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs.
Ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI.

Nice To Haves

Background in Ignition and Anaplan a plus.

Responsibilities

Work with plant leadership to identify key processing equipment requiring connectivity.
Work directly with plant technical personnel and machine OEMs to design the connectivity plan — including hands-on evaluation of PLC architecture, network topology, and data availability at the machine.
Personally configure, test, and troubleshoot connectivity — protocol setup, PLC data mapping, and network integration — stepping in as the technical resource when plant or contractor capability falls short.
Work with plant leadership, technical personnel, integrators, contractors, and corporate finance on cost estimates, project plans/timelines, and CIR building.
Drive execution across all teams and personnel involved to ensure each project delivers on schedule and at cost.
Manage 10–20 projects simultaneously.