Controls Engineer

Cérélia North America; Hazelwood (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cérélia North America in Hazelwood, MO is seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to maintain and improve plant control systems across PLC, HMI, VFD, and SCADA platforms. You will lead controls integration for new equipment and capital projects, support FAT/SAT activities, and collaborate with OEMs to drive downtime reduction and process optimization.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in a related field or equivalent experience, 5+ years in manufacturing controls, and strong PLC/HMI/SCADA

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of controls engineering experience in manufacturing (food/CPG preferred).
• Proficient in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell strongly preferred).
• Experience with HMI and SCADA systems (FactoryTalk, Wonderware, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus) and drives/motors.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and controls-related issues to minimize downtime and support production needs.
• Own and support all plant control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and SCADA systems.
• Develop, modify, and optimize PLC and HMI programs to improve equipment performance and reliability.
• Support and lead controls integration for new equipment and capital projects (FAT/SAT, startup, commissioning).
• Standardize controls architecture and documentation across the plant; update electrical schematics and network layouts.
• Collaborate with OEMs and vendors to troubleshoot, upgrade, and improve systems.
• Ensure backups and version control of all PLC/HMI programs; support OT network connectivity.
• Train maintenance personnel on controls troubleshooting and system understanding.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networks

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Capital projects

Electrical schematics

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

FactoryTalk

Wonderware

Plex

Job description

Maintenance/Engineering

Hazelwood, MO

ExemptCérélia's newly established Frozen Breakfast Business Unit – US Waffle - is driving an ambitious growth strategy, backed by two manufacturing facilities, Liberty, SC, and Hazelwood, MO. To effectively support the rapid scaling of operations at our state-of-the-art Hazelwood facility, US Waffle is seeking a dynamic and skilled Controls Engineer to join our team in Hazelwood, MO.

Job Title: Controls Engineer Department: Maintenance/Engineering Reports To: Director of Maintenance and Engineering Site: Hazelwood, MO FLSA Status: ExemptCérélia's newly established Frozen Breakfast Business Unit – US Waffle - is driving an ambitious growth strategy, backed by two manufacturing facilities, Liberty, SC, and Hazelwood, MO. To effectively support the rapid scaling of operations at our state-of-the-art Hazelwood facility, US Waffle is seeking a dynamic and skilled Controls Engineer to join our team in Hazelwood, MO.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Report to work as scheduled every day, and demonstrate GREAT attendance
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and controls-related issues to minimize downtime and support production needs
• Own and support all plant control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and SCADA systems
• Own and support all plant control systems, including PLCS, HMIs, VFDs, and SCADA systems
• Actively support the maintenance team on the floor as part of daily operations
• Occasionally perform mechanical and electrical work (“turn a wrench”) to support uptime and team effectiveness
• Develop, modify, and optimize PLC and HMI programs to improve equipment performance, reliability, and efficiency
• Support and lead controls integration for new equipment and capital projects, including:
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
• Startup and commissioning support
• System validation and performance optimization
• Standardize controls architecture and documentation across the plant
• Maintain and update electrical schematics, network layouts, and controls documentation
• Partner with OEMs (e.g., ovens, packaging systems) to support troubleshooting, upgrades, and system improvements
• Ensure proper backup and version control of all PLC and HMI programs
• Support plant network related to controls systems (OT network), ensuring secure and reliable connectivity
• Identify and implement automation improvements to reduce labor, improve throughput, and enhance product quality
• Support root cause analysis (RCA) efforts for recurring downtime and implement permanent corrective actions
• Train and support maintenance technicians in basic controls troubleshooting and system understanding
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure equipment readiness and minimal disruption to production
• Ensure all controls systems comply with safety standards, GMPs, and food safety requirements
• Support integration of systems with ERP/plant systems (e.g., Plex) where applicable
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to automation, controls, and system performance
• Perform other duties as assigned or of a similar nature or level

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required (Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering within a manufacturing environment (food/CPG preferred)
• Strong experience with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell strongly preferred)
• Experience with HMI and SCADA systems (FactoryTalk, Wonderware, or similar)
• Strong knowledge of: Industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.). Drives (VFDs), motors, and electrical systems
• Troubleshooting electrical and automation systems in a live production environment
• Demonstrated hands-on experience supporting maintenance teams, including mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
• Experience supporting capital projects, including equipment installation and commissioning
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings
• Experience working with OEM equipment and vendors
• Familiarity with food safety, GMP, and regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience with ERP systems (Plex experience a plus)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical teams
• High sense of urgency and accountability
• Ability to train and develop maintenance personnel on controls systems

Direct Reports

This role may initially operate as an individual contributor but will have the opportunity to build and lead resources over time.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a Full Time Exempt 40 hour per week position, and it may require working additional hours depending on the needs of the business.

TRAVEL

This position may require minimal travel.