Automation & Controls Engineer

Rhino Foods, Inc.; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhino Foods, Inc. in Vermont is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to design, implement, and support automation for safe, efficient manufacturing operations.

You’ll partner with production, maintenance, and engineering to improve equipment performance and product quality. You’ll lead projects from concept to execution, program PLCs and HMIs, and evaluate new automation technologies while documenting procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing, food & beverage or related environment.
• Hands-on programming, troubleshooting, and support of automation technologies (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, motion control, robotics, networking).
• Experience with machine networking (Ethernet/IP), VPN, VNC, and industrial communication systems.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, control systems, motor drives, and automation hardware.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards preferred.
• Willingness to learn emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation and control systems to optimize manufacturing processes, packaging, and equipment performance.
• Program, test, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, drives, and industrial control networks.
• Integrate new technologies and equipment into existing systems for compatibility and scalability.
• Partner with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify continuous improvement opportunities and reduce downtime.
• Diagnose complex automation issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead automation projects from concept through execution, including planning, budgeting, and vendor coordination.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation: schematics, procedures, control narratives, troubleshooting guides.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to support innovation and future business needs.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, and safety standards; promote safe operations.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or related

Tools

PLC/SCADA programming

HMIs

Industrial networking

Robotics

Job description

As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to be part of something truly special – crafting delicious food that brings joy to people's lives. You'll play a vital role in upholding stringent food safety standards, ensuring top-notch product quality, and collaboratively achieving our goals alongside our dedicated team. Moreover, as a family-owned certified B Corporation, you'll actively engage with our broader community, with a strong focus on enhancing employee satisfaction and fostering community engagement. Join us on our journey not only to create exceptional food but also to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees and the communities we serve.

We're looking for a collaborative and technically skilled Automation & Controls Engineer to join our Engineering team. Reporting to the Manager of Maintenance and Engineering, you'll play a key role in designing, implementing, and supporting automation and control systems that drive safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations. From PLC programming and machine networking to process optimization, troubleshooting, and project management, you'll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of automation initiatives that improve productivity, product quality, and equipment performance. Working closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams, you'll help identify opportunities for continuous improvement while supporting the technologies that keep our operations running smoothly.

What you'll accomplish:

Automation Systems Design & Integration

• Design, develop, and implement automation and control systems that optimize manufacturing processes, packaging operations, and equipment performance.
• Program, test, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, drives, and industrial control networks to support safe and reliable operations.
• Integrate new technologies and equipment into existing systems, ensuring compatibility, scalability, and seamless operation across the facility.

Process Optimization & Operational Support

• Partner with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
• Diagnose complex automation and controls issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective and preventive solutions.
• Apply machine networking, electrical controls, motor drives, and automation expertise to improve the reliability and performance of manufacturing systems.
• Lead automation and controls projects from concept through implementation, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, vendor coordination, and execution.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including electrical schematics, operating procedures, control narratives, and troubleshooting guides.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and automation solutions to support innovation, operational excellence, and future business needs.

Safety, Compliance & Training

• Support compliance with food safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including GMP, HACCP, and applicable industry standards.
• Apply cybersecurity and machine safety best practices, including safety circuits, interlocks, and lockout/tagout procedures, to protect people and equipment.
• Train and support employees on automation systems, controls, and troubleshooting processes while fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous learning.

What you'll need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred.
• 4+years of experience in manufacturing, food & beverage, engineering, operations, technology, or another industrial environment.
• Hands-on experience programming, troubleshooting, and supporting automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, motion controls, robotics, and industrial networking protocols.
• Experience with machine networking, Ethernet/IP, VPN, VNC, and industrial communication systems.
• Working knowledge of electrical engineering principles, control systems, motor drives, and automation hardware.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and adapt to changing business needs.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively with employees, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with food manufacturing processes, GMPs, HACCP, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements is preferred.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools that support automation programming, analytics, and system monitoring.
• Collaborative approach and ability to thrive in an environment that values teamwork, knowledge sharing, inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to utilize email, Microsoft applications, engineering software, and other technology tools to effectively communicate and collaborate across teams, departments, and shifts.

Compensation & Employment Requirements:

Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000

The wage listed here reflects our best-faith estimate for this role. We pay competitively and base compensation on a variety of factors, including skills, experience, industry background, and the evolving needs of the role. We remain committed to fair and equitable pay, and we're happy to discuss during the interview process.

Rhino Foods is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”). We support employment opportunities for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Employment is subject to successful screening on national sex offender registries.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

This position involves working in an office, maintenance shop, and production setting. This environment includes exposure to variable temperatures including heat and temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Requires use of power and fabrication tools, and exposure to metal, oil, electric currents, and allergens such as peanuts. Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing/pulling; prolonged contact with water, detergents, and sanitizers; exposure to high levels of machinery, fabrication, and power tool noise. Requires repetitive motions and lifting up to 78 lbs. Compliance with OSHA and industry standards includes wearing required PPE such as steel-toe production boots, nitrile gloves, face protection, hearing protection, and hair and beard nets. All jewelry and adornments on the hands, wrists, and above the neck must be removable and off while in production areas.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.