Lead Engineer Controls (Onsite)

Tyson Foods•Springdale, AR

3d•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 attain IT service level agreements for the organization’s user community. The Lead Engineer plans and directs IT solutions that enhance mission-critical business operations, working with decision makers across departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective solutions. The position also helps define and implement IT policies, standards, procedures, and best practices. The role supports controls and automation in a manufacturing environment, including PLC-based systems, plant automation, material-handling equipment, scanning and identification systems, SCADA/HMI platforms, industrial communications, and controls modernization. It requires diagnosing issues across connected systems and equipment, supporting both newer and legacy controls, and helping restore production uptime. Some travel may be required based on project needs. The role is onsite and works first shift.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or another technical area; equivalent work experience may be acceptable.
Six or more 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.
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 alternative implementation plans, and reviewing or developing coding standards.
Advanced knowledge of relevant multi-user computer systems, applications, and/or equipment; knowledge of current technology developments and trends.
Extensive problem-solving skills and experience developing and executing integrated test plans; basic project management capabilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information to non-technical team members.
Ability to work productively in a cross-functional team.
Willingness and ability to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Willingness to travel as required by individual project needs.
Not eligible for immigration or work-authorization support now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on PLC troubleshooting and programming experience, particularly with Schneider Electric/Modicon controls.
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 diagnose issues across PLC, HMI/SCADA, and connected equipment.
Experience troubleshooting industrial networks and communications among PLCs, scanners, field devices, HMIs, and other plant-floor systems.
Experience supporting older equipment and participating in 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 and 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, including 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 and stay current on technologies supported by the organization to inform future IT initiatives.
Support and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, automated production and material-handling equipment, and associated plant-floor systems.
Troubleshoot controls communications among PLCs, scanners, field devices, HMIs, and other plant-floor systems.
Support controls upgrades, replacements, and modernization while maintaining older equipment.
Develop, review, or modify specifications, configurations, and programs to meet requirements.
Analyze information systems proposals, evaluate implementation alternatives, and review or develop coding standards.
Develop and execute integrated test plans and contribute to project management activities.
Use approved AI tools responsibly, protect sensitive information, follow company policies, and validate AI-generated outputs.
Perform other duties as assigned.