Automation & Controls Engineer for Food Manufacturing

The Swan Food Company; Sioux Falls, Northern (SD, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement options

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer for our new Sioux Falls facility. You will lead electrical, automation, and control systems, driving projects from concept to startup and ensuring safe, reliable production.

In this role, you will establish standards for PLCs, HMI, and SCADA, mentor technicians, and collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Safety, and Sanitation teams to improve plant reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering; ABET accreditation preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in automation, controls, or electrical engineering in manufacturing.
• Experience in food/beverage or CPG industries is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the plant SME for automation, controls, and electrical systems.
• Lead automation projects from concept to startup, improving efficiency and product quality.
• Develop and execute strategies for controls systems, industrial networks, and plant floor automation.
• Establish and maintain automation standards, including PLC programming, HMI design, SCADA integration, and control system architecture.
• Drive continuous improvement by optimizing manufacturing processes through automation.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for production equipment and systems.
• Support maintenance, reliability, and lifecycle management of production equipment and automation systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve equipment performance and plant reliability.
• Mentor Controls Technicians and maintenance staff with technical training and leadership.
• Ensure compliance with safety, food safety, and regulatory guidelines.
• Participate in capital projects, equipment installations, startups, and system upgrades.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and system records.

Skills

Automation

Controls engineering

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Education

ABET-accredited engineering program

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

PLC programming

HMI design

SCADA integration

Industrial networks

Job description

CJ Schwan’s is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer for our new Sioux Falls facility. You will lead electrical, automation, and control systems, driving projects from concept to startup and ensuring safe, reliable production.

In this role, you will establish standards for PLCs, HMI, and SCADA, mentor technicians, and collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Safety, and Sanitation teams to improve plant reliability.