Automation Controls Engineer - PLC/SCADA for Food Manufacturing

SunOpta, Inc.; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SunOpta, Inc. in Allentown, PA is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, implement, document, and support manufacturing automation and control systems across process, packaging, and utility operations.

You will work hands-on with Rockwell Automation platforms, develop FAT/SAT, ensure MOC/ACC, and uphold food safety, GMP, OSHA, NEC, and NFPA 70E standards while collaborating with Maintenance, Operations, Quality, Engineering, IT, and Corporate Engineering to improve reliability and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Automation, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of applied industrial automation and controls in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix PLCs, FactoryTalk View HMI/SCADA, and Studio 5000.
• Proven PLC programming, AOI development, commissioning, and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience integrating and supporting motor control systems, including VFDs and servo drives.
• Knowledge of electrical safety practices, OSHA and NFPA 70E compliance.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, test, document, and support PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Develop FAT and SAT for new or modified automation systems.
• Maintain control narratives, functional specs, PLC architectures, and AOIs.
• Implement advanced control strategies including PID, alarm management, and operator interface optimization.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Operations, Quality, Engineering, IT, and Corporate Engineering to resolve issues.

Skills

Rockwell Automation

ControlLogix/CompactLogix PLCs

HMI/SCADA

Project collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's or Associate degree in Engineering

Tools

FactoryTalk View HMI/SCADA

Studio 5000

RSLogix 500/5000

EtherNet/IP networking

Job description

SunOpta, Inc. in Allentown, PA is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, implement, document, and support manufacturing automation and control systems across process, packaging, and utility operations.

You will work hands-on with Rockwell Automation platforms, develop FAT/SAT, ensure MOC/ACC, and uphold food safety, GMP, OSHA, NEC, and NFPA 70E standards while collaborating with Maintenance, Operations, Quality, Engineering, IT, and Corporate Engineering to improve reliability and efficiency.