Pilot Plant Controls & Automation Engineer

Conagra Brands•Omaha, NE

23h•$64,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Pilot Plant Controls & Automation Engineer is a hands-on, plant-based engineering role at the Omaha, Nebraska pilot plant. Reporting to the Pilot Plant Maintenance Manager, the role conducts daily setup and teardown of pilot plant equipment for product development trials and provides technical leadership and hands-on support for automation, electrical, and instrumentation systems. The engineer develops and implements automation projects, troubleshoots equipment and controls issues, and partners with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Facilities, Information Technology, and other site teams to improve reliability, efficiency, safety, and overall plant performance. The position focuses on PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, instrumentation, electrical controls, and manufacturing equipment automation.

Requirements

At least 3 years of PLC and SCADA programming experience, with hands-on experience supporting industrial automation and electrical systems.
Experience troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, servo controllers, VFDs, sensors, process instrumentation, and electrical/electronic components.
Strong technical troubleshooting skills, including the ability to apply engineering principles to resolve complex manufacturing, process, and equipment issues.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, P&IDs, safety documentation, and equipment manuals.
Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to partner across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, IT, and other plant functions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard computer applications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Automation, Controls, Information Technology, Computer Programming, or a related technical field.
Experience in a manufacturing or process environment, including regulated operations such as FDA, USDA, GMP, or PSM environments.
Experience supporting industrial IT/OT infrastructure and automation system standards.

Responsibilities

Conduct daily setup and teardown of pilot plant equipment to assist with product development trials.
Assist with pilot plant compliance, including annual calibration, LOTO review, and fire suppression system inspection.
Provide daily automation and controls support to Operations, Maintenance, and Facilities teams.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues involving PLCs, SCADA systems, HMIs, instrumentation, electrical systems, and controls.
Develop, program, implement, and support automation projects that improve equipment performance, reliability, safety, and manufacturing efficiency.
Partner with site teams to establish and manage automation, electrical, and instrumentation work priorities.
Ensure site IT and OT infrastructure, programming, controls, and equipment align with current company standards.
Develop and implement technical training to strengthen the capabilities of the site’s automation, electrical, and instrumentation workforce.
Read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, P&IDs, equipment manuals, and other technical documentation.
Ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to established quality standards.
Follow and reinforce site safety, environmental, electrical safety, and GMP requirements.
Provide off-hours technical support when needed.