Controls Automation Engineer

Winland Foods, Inc.; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

Disability Insurance (STD/LTD)

Life Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Hospital indemnity

Identity & Fraud Protection Plan

Legal Services

Critical Illness Insurance

Job summary

Winland Foods, Inc. seeks a Controls Automation Engineer to lead and support automation initiatives across high-speed food production lines. You will work with maintenance and operations teams to resolve automation issues, implement best practices, and drive reliability improvements.

The role emphasizes data-driven problem solving, continuous improvement, and capability building among operators and technicians in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Engineering or related discipline; 10+ yrs experience in lieu of degree, or 5+ yrs with a technical degree/cert will be considered.
• Experience in control panel design and layout for new production equipment.
• Proficient with Rockwell software and Allen-Bradley PLCs, VFDs, and HMI; SCADA experience.
• Strong communication across departments and ability to lead technical initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Assist Engineering with updates, changes and testing of automations on high-speed food processing lines.
• Design, implement and recommend automations improvements for reliability and efficiency.
• Perform periodic maintenance and troubleshoot electrical/control systems across all automated equipment.
• Coach operators and technicians on automation procedures and best practices.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLCs

VFDs

HMI

SCADA

Rockwell Studio 5000

RSLogix 5000/500

Electrical troubleshooting

Education

BA/BS in Engineering (BSEE preferred)

Tools

RSLogix 5000/500

FactoryTalk View Studio

Multimeters / testing tools

Job description

The Controls Engineer will work as part of a diverse team and act as a subject matter expert with PLC's, VFD's, (HMI) and plant operating systems. As a Controls Engineer, you will work as part of a diverse team and act as a subject matter expert with PLC's, VFD's, (HMI) and plant operating systems. You will work directly with maintenance technicians, maintenance operators, supervisors and managers to resolve automation issues as you play a vital role in developing and implementing best practices that are aligned with Winland Foods maintenance, and reliability strategies. You will also champion continuous improvement efforts across the plant. This person is a self-starter, forward thinking, known for bringing ideas forward, and able to utilize data to drive operational and cost efficiency initiatives in the controls and automation space.

Employee Type: Full time
Location: ND Grand Forks
Job Type: Engineering
Job Posting Title: Controls Automation Engineer
Job Description: Schedule: Primary work schedule is 1st shift, Monday-Friday, with flexibility as needed
Work Location: 1801 N 36th St, Grand Forks, ND

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $73,000 - $108,900 annually with additional bonus potential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist Engineering with updates, changes and testing of new modifications for multiple high speed food processing production lines.
• Assist with automations implementation, design and recommendations for existing and future high-speed production line projects.
• Perform periodic maintenance of systems.
• Capable of performing and executing troubleshooting of equipment automation/instrumentation issues for all automated food processing systems, robotic systems, and transfer systems applications.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and control systems with minimal documentation or information provided.
• Research, recommend and implement automations improvements for equipment reliability.
• Plan, lead and execute automations preventative maintenance efforts to minimize equipment downtime.
• Demonstrate creative problem solving to identify and perform equipment improvements.
• Coach and mentor operators, technicians and other peers with automations procedures related to high-speed food manufacturing equipment.
• Participate in special projects on equipment upgrades or installations.
• Collaborate with peers and team members to transfer specialist technical knowledge.
• Practice plant safety guidelines at all times and inspire peers to practice safety all times.
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Research and implement continuous improvement opportunities.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• BA/BS degree in Engineering or related discipline (BSEE degree preferred); 10+ yrs. related experience in lieu of university degree, or 5+ yrs. related experience plus a technical degree/certification will be considered
• Experience in control panel design and layout for new production equipment.
• Proficient using Rockwell Software such as Studio 5000, RSLogix5000, RSLogix500, Factory Talk View Studio.
• Proficient use of various electrical troubleshooting tools such as multimeters, loop simulators, meggers.
• Experience with Allen Bradley PLC's, VFD's, and HMI.
• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and resolve issues across multiple departments and levels of the organization.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Effective communication of issues and solutions to cross-functional team members.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics: electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic.
• Willingness to be a technical leader and trainer within a specific area of plant or machine center.
• Recommend inventory of automation products.
• Execute additional instrumentation and electrical duties as assigned.
• Knowledge of high-tech automation and control products.
• Knowledge of engineering principles related to automation products.
• Knowledge of suppliers' automation products.

EEO Statement: Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

About Us

At Winland Foods, we’re passionate about creating exceptional food experiences that bring people together. We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products—from pasta and sauces to plant-based proteins and more. Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and custom private-label solutions for retail and foodservice channels.

Why Work With Us?

• Commitment to Quality: We consistently exceed industry standards across our value chain.
• Sustainability & Responsibility: We prioritize environmental stewardship and make a positive impact on the world around us.
• People First: The safety, well-being, and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do.

Our Culture

We’re a team of food enthusiasts who value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. At Winland Foods, you’ll find an environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are recognized, and your career can thrive.

Explore Opportunities

At Winland Foods, you’ll find opportunities across operations, supply chain, marketing, and product development—roles where your work truly makes an impact. By joining our team, you become part of a forward-thinking organization that values passion, collaboration, and shared success with our customers. Together, we’re shaping the future of food.