Associate Controls Engineer

welchs; North East (Erie County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan with generous company match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement program

Paid volunteer time off

Job summary

Welch's is seeking an Associate Controls Engineer to join their team in North East, Pennsylvania. This role involves supporting the reliability of control systems in juice processing and packaging, managing capital projects, and providing technical assistance to maintenance staff. Candidates should have strong electrical engineering skills and a minimum of 5 years in a relevant engineering role.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $80,000 to $90,000 annually, along with benefits such as paid time off and a 401K plan with company match. This role is pivotal in ensuring efficient plant operations in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in electrical or automation engineering.
• Experience in juice processing manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to work with high voltage systems.

Responsibilities

• Support plant operations with electrical engineering principles.
• Manage and execute capital projects within budget.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance staff.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Troubleshooting

Project Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

RS Logix software

CAD

Job description

Grow with Welch's!

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global‑leader of convenient, good for you fruit‑based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

At Welch's, we’re not just offering a job; we’re inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Position Summary

We are looking for an Associate Controls Engineer to join our team and provide strong strategic and tactical execution of electrical engineering and controls tasks.

Support the control system reliability of our packaging equipment, processing equipment, and various utility systems in all areas of our facility with the goal of optimizing complex packaging and processing systems.

Develop, plan, budget and execute Electrical, Automation & Controls related Capital Projects in coordination with plant and engineering leadership supporting the multiyear Capital Plan.

Work with Maintenance as needed to provide troubleshooting assistance, and train hourly technicians to enhance their troubleshooting capabilities. Additionally, align with Maintenance group to coordinate appropriate MRO inventory based on component availability/obsolescence migration plans.

Where You’ll Work

This role will be based out of our North East, Pennsylvania manufacturing facility. Immerse yourself in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives, and collaboration is key.

What You’ll Do

• Provide Electrical Engineering principles and leadership to support all plant operations in juice processing and packaging facilities operating on a 24/7 schedule. This will include supporting packaging lines, processing, utility, and seasonal equipment.
• Responsible for all technical support, designing, programming, and commissioning of controls and instrumentation hardware and software on all plant equipment and processes.
• Support strategic planning, input and execution of engineering budget as it relates to electrical and controls equipment and infrastructure.
• Stay current on new technology that can help support capital improvements to increase efficiency and / or capacity.
• Support all other engineering projects and maintenance projects to provide controls support and technical expertise as required.
• Maintain communication with all production operations departments and maintenance to ensure an efficient operation and provide support for continuous improvement.
• Work with maintenance leadership and reliability engineers to develop strategic plans for plant maintenance systems improvements and sustainability as it relates to the electrical, controls, and instrumentation programs and talent.
• Lead the development and management of preventative maintenance schedules for plant electrical, instrumentation, and controls equipment.
• Manage and maintain updated electrical and control systems documentation and maintenance resources.
• Develop the controls and instrumentation technical capabilities within the hourly maintenance workforce as needed.
• Support PLC (Allen Bradley) programs for new equipment and upgrades/modifications for existing equipment.
• Support and learn how to create HMI screens (Allen Bradley) for new equipment and upgrades/modifications for existing equipment.
• Specify, purchase, and / or design instrumentation, controls systems, devices. electrical power and control panels.
• Manage, build, and facilitate use of FactoryTalk AssetCentre by all personnel and contractors.
• Work with IT group to implement a robust OT network infrastructure with dedicated hardware separated from the plant IT network.
• Ensure all electrical controls engineering specifications are current and compliant with all regulatory bodies.
• Ability to write SOP's, new equipment process information, functional descriptions, training materials, summary reports, technical reports, and capital justification reports.
• Ensures compliance to governmental regulatory OSHA and safety programs and processes.
• Support Engineering team in ensuring compliance to and managing the electrical safety and Arc Flash Program.
• Provide technical controls support for both onsite and remote support as required, including off shifts.

Who You Are

• Able to execute capital projects and maintenance work within budget and critical schedules.
• Strong trouble shooting, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Work collaboratively with all departments
• Interact effectively with outside vendors, production operators, management, and the maintenance trades.
• Ensure at all times work is regulatory compliant in regards to safety/environmental through proper design, protection systems, procedures & training.
• Strong ability to train others as needed.
• Self‑motivated with a high degree of ownership
• Excellent multi‑tasking capabilities

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or Automation Engineering role, but not required.
• Food Manufacturing in a juice processing, pasteurization, blending, and consumer packaging preferred or related industry experience.
• Proficiency in designing and working with 13,800V and 12,400V systems down to 480V
• Proficiency in working with Allen‑Bradley PLC’s and using RS Logix software
  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix
  • IO and communication networks including Ethernet/IP
• Proficiency in working with HMI’s including Allen‑Bradley PanelviewPlus
• Experience with
  • Instrumentation devices such as flowmeters, RTD’s and pressure transmitters
  • Discrete devices such as photoeyes, proximity sensors and solenoid valves
  • Product ID devices such as bar‑code scanners and machine vision cameras.
  • Safety circuits, relays, and field devices
  • Motor starters, variable frequency drives and motors
  • Power distribution
• Exposure to regulatory requirements like FSMA, SQF, HACCP
• CAD experience is preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles a plus.

What You’ll Enjoy

• Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
• Inclusive Culture: Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
• Passionate Community: You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Available immediately for you to enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
• Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non‑union employees
• Development & Advancement: Formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
• Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
• 401K plan with Generous Company Match
• Flexible Benefits from your first day: Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
• Paid parental (and adoption) leave – Available after 12 months of employment
• The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $80,000 to $90,000 annually for US‑based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full‑time work schedule, and is Welch's good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.

Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.