Automation and Controls Supervisor

CJ Schwan's; North East (Erie County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s in North East, PA is seeking an Automation and Controls Supervisor to guide automation initiatives at our pizza plant. You will direct PLC/HMI programming, installation, testing and maintenance to automate manufacturing processes.

You will lead the controls and electrical team, plan work, ensure safety and budget targets, and collaborate with plant leadership to improve asset performance. A strong background in automation with leadership experience and proficiency with Rockwell,

Qualifications

• 4+ years in automation/controls.
• 2+ years in lead or supervisor role.
• Experience with PLC/HMI across brands.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical and controls technicians at the North East plant.
• Oversee PLC/HMI programming, startup, and support.
• Plan and schedule work for controls team to install and tune devices.
• Drive training of operations staff on control features and system information.
• Ensure budget adherence and safety compliance while optimizing performance.

Skills

Automation experience

Lead/supervisor

Instrumentation and controls design

PLC/HMI programming

Problem solving & PM

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Modicon

Siemens

GE

Fanuc

Job description

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

We are hiring an Automation and Controls Supervisor to guide our automation-related initiatives in our North East, PA pizza plant! In this role, you will provide automation technical guidance and direct reactive, corrective, and planned related activities in coordination with the Salina plant strategy. You will direct the planning and scheduling of work for the controls and electrical team to install, troubleshoot, repair, calibrate, and tune control devices which automate our industrial manufacturing processes. This role is a key leader in the utilization of the Asset Optimization elements, specifically Planning and Scheduling, Defect Elimination, and Breakdown Elimination.

What You Will Do

• Managing and guiding Electrical and Controls technicians within the Salina plant.
• Being responsible for the documentation, implementation, startup, and technical support of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) programming in an industrial automation environment.
• Directing the planning and scheduling of work for the controls and electrical team to Install, troubleshoot, repair, calibrate, and tune control devices which automate our industrial manufacturing processes.
• Leading development and training efforts of plant operations and maintenance personnel in the design features process operation and interpretation of system information and application of that information regarding control system functionality.
• Managing effective utilization of employees skills, development, mechanical downtime, equipment effectiveness, housekeeping, safety policy administration, discipline, employee relations, cost control, and problem solving while ensuring budgeted performance is monitored and compliant.

What We Look For

• High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 4+ years of automation and/or controls experience, with 2+ years ideally acting as a Lead or Supervisor of a team.
• 2 years of experience with instrumentation and controls design as well as PLC/HMI required experience (Rockwell Automation, Modicon, Siemens, GE, Fanuc).
• Bring working knowledge and experience with the engineering programming and implementation of industrial control systems.
• Possess technical problem-solving skills and proven project experience.
• Understand control systems components, ladder logic programming, HMI programming, and their applications.

What We Offer

The base salary range for this position is $75,000 to $125,000 annually, with eligibility for a 10% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].