Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to lead the design, optimization, and reliability of electrical and automation systems within a highly automated manufacturing environment. This role is instrumental in improving plant performance by driving controls modernization, increasing equipment reliability, optimizing production processes, and leading capital automation projects.

As a technical leader, you will partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and Plant Leadership to implement innovative automation solutions that enhance productivity, quality, food safety, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate combines strong controls engineering expertise with hands-on troubleshooting skills and a passion for continuous improvement.

Location: Smithfield, Utah (100% Onsite)
Relocation Assistance: Comprehensive relocation package available, including a $10,000 relocation bonus for candidates relocating more than 50 miles.
Please Note: Employment sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

Key Responsibilities
Controls & Automation Engineering

• Design, implement, and optimize electrical, instrumentation, and control systems that improve manufacturing performance and equipment reliability.
• Lead electrical and automation projects from concept through commissioning while managing scope, budget, schedule, and technical execution.
• Identify and implement controls optimization initiatives that improve uptime, throughput, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Proactively monitor and maintain plant automation infrastructure, including PLCs, industrial networks, control hardware, and system lifecycle management.

Automation Systems Development

• Develop, enhance, and support Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Human-Machine Interface (HMI), Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and data visualization solutions.
• Utilize scripting, databases, and industrial automation technologies to improve operational visibility, reporting, and process performance.
• Evaluate and implement emerging automation technologies that support long-term operational excellence.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical guidance and automation training to plant maintenance and engineering teams.
• Mentor maintenance personnel on electrical troubleshooting, controls systems, and automation best practices.
• Manage and oversee electrical contractors and external engineering partners during project execution.
• Establish and maintain plant standards for electrical design, automation architecture, and controls programming.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive initiatives that improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and increase manufacturing capacity.
• Analyze system performance and production data to identify opportunities for process optimization and long-term reliability improvements.
• Support cross-functional continuous improvement efforts through automation, data analysis, and innovative engineering solutions.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure automation systems support food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Process Control Plans (PCPs), and Critical Control Points (CCPs).
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes, engineering standards, and workplace safety regulations.
• Participate in root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to improve process stability and operational performance.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial controls engineering, electrical system design, automation programming, and capital project execution.
• Strong experience with PLC programming, industrial automation systems, and electrical power distribution.
• Hands-on experience with SCADA systems is required, including extensive experience with the Ignition platform (Vision and Perspective). This is a critical qualification for the role.
• Solid understanding of electrical theory, industrial networking, and automation architecture.
• Working knowledge of NEC and NFPA 70E standards.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and construction drawings.
• Experience developing automation solutions using scripting, HMI, SCADA, and database technologies.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for both engineering and operational teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment sponsorship.

Preferred

• Experience supporting highly automated manufacturing or food production facilities.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), industrial data collection, and performance dashboards.
• Familiarity with industrial cybersecurity and network infrastructure.
• Experience leading controls modernization or digital transformation initiatives.

Schedule & Travel

• Position is primarily onsite.
• Must be willing to occasionally support production during nights, weekends, holidays, or other non-standard hours as needed.

What You'll Bring

• Passion for automation, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Hands-on engineering mindset with the ability to solve complex technical challenges.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Leadership.
• Commitment to safety, quality, reliability, and operational excellence.
• Desire to leverage technology to drive measurable business results.

Benefits
Qualified candidates will enjoy a comprehensive rewards package, including:

• Competitive compensation with performance-based incentive opportunities
• 401(k) with generous employer match
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• Paid vacation and company holidays
• Relocation assistance
• Education assistance and professional development programs
• Wellness initiatives and fitness reimbursement
• Long-term career growth within a stable, technology-driven manufacturing organization

If you're an automation-focused engineer with deep SCADA Ignition expertise who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges and enjoys delivering innovative solutions that improve plant performance, we encourage you to apply.