Sr Engineer Controls-1st Shift- Waverly Plant

Tecumseh Poultry•Waverly, NE

6d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Leader to provide technical and operational leadership across our Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams. This role is responsible for driving automation strategy, improving plant reliability, leading capital and process improvement initiatives, and developing the next generation of technical talent within the organization. This role requires a strong balance of leadership, engineering expertise, project management, and continuous improvement experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.
Minimum of 7+ years of automation, controls, or industrial engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
Prior experience leading projects, mentoring employees, or providing technical leadership within engineering or maintenance organizations.
Demonstrated expertise with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and process automation.
Strong understanding of electrical systems, instrumentation, controls integration, and industrial automation technologies.
Experience with root cause analysis, reliability improvement, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Ignition SCADA, SQL databases, Python scripting, and industrial data systems.
Experience with VFDs, motion controls, robotics, machine vision, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, EtherCAT, and related industrial networks.
Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks, or similar design software.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PMP, or other continuous improvement certifications preferred.
Experience implementing digital transformation, Industry 4.0, AI vision, machine learning, or predictive maintenance technologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide direct leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to the Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams.
Develop team capabilities through coaching, training, succession planning, and hands-on support.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
Serve as a technical resource and mentor for engineers, technicians, and plant personnel.
Lead by example through active involvement in troubleshooting, project execution, and continuous improvement efforts.
Support recruiting, onboarding, and development of future technical talent.
Lead the design, implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial automation systems.
Oversee control system architecture, standardization, and best practice development across facilities.
Support and troubleshoot industrial control platforms including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Automation Direct, and other automation systems.
Ensure reliable integration of instrumentation, sensors, drives, motion control systems, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment.
Lead control system upgrades, modernization initiatives, and automation expansion projects.
Drive implementation and optimization of Ignition SCADA, SQL databases, industrial networking, and data collection platforms.
Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
Identify and lead process improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, throughput, quality, and operational reliability.
Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies to eliminate waste and improve performance.
Analyze production and equipment performance data to identify opportunities for optimization.
Drive reliability-centered maintenance initiatives and long-term corrective actions.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to automation, reliability, and process improvements.
Lead automation, controls, and engineering projects from concept through implementation and startup.
Coordinate activities with operations, maintenance, production, vendors, contractors, and engineering resources.
Assist with capital planning, budgeting, equipment selection, and project justification.
Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.
Support installation, commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment and processes.