Controls Engineer

Teasdale Foods Inc; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision plans

401(k) with company match

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Teasdale Foods Inc is seeking a Controls Engineer in Louisville, KY to design, implement, and maintain control systems across production facilities. You will program PLCs, develop HMIs, and integrate new equipment to improve efficiency and reliability in food manufacturing.

Responsibilities include on-site and remote troubleshooting, project management, and collaboration with maintenance and engineering staff to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or related field.
• 3+ years of controls engineering experience, preferably in food manufacturing.
• Proficiency in programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, robotics, and industrial automation technologies.
• Experience with project management, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% to support multiple facilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems across facilities.
• Develop control system solutions to improve efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Lead the integration of new equipment and automation into production lines.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, control documentation, and SOPs.
• Provide on-site and remote support to minimize downtime and outages.
• Coordinate with maintenance, production, and engineering teams on root causes.
• Manage controls-related projects including scope, budget, and schedule.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and electrical standards.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

HMI design

Project management

Troubleshooting

Automation

Lean Six Sigma

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Controls / Automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

SCADA software

HMI software

Job description

CONTROLS ENGINEER - LOUISVILLE, KY

OVERVIEW

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining control systems across multiple production facilities to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency of manufacturing processes. This role provides technical expertise in automation, PLCs, robotics, and other control systems, while supporting continuous improvement initiatives and troubleshooting complex issues. To succeed, you need a strong background in controls engineering, project management, and cross-functional collaboration in a food manufacturing or similar environment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Control System Design and Implementation: Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) panels, and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. Develop and implement control system solutions to improve production efficiency, product quality, and equipment reliability. Lead the integration of new equipment and automation technologies into existing production lines. Create and maintain electrical schematics, control system documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Technical Support and Troubleshooting: Provide on-site and remote support to multiple production facilities to resolve control system issues and minimize downtime. Diagnose and troubleshoot complex electrical, mechanical, and software-related problems in control systems. Collaborate with maintenance, production, and engineering teams to identify root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions. Conduct regular system audits to ensure control systems are operating efficiently and in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Project Management: Manage controls-related projects, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation. Coordinate with external vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and successful project completion. Oversee the installation, commissioning, and validation of new control systems and equipment upgrades. Ensure all projects adhere to food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP) and electrical standards (e.g., NFPA 70, NEC).
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to optimize control systems and processes through data analysis, automation, and advanced technologies. Implement lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to drive operational excellence. Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in controls engineering and automation.
• Training and Development: Train maintenance and production staff on the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of control systems. Develop training materials and conduct hands-on workshops to enhance technical skills across facilities.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure all control systems comply with food safety regulations (e.g., GMP, HACCP) and electrical safety standards (e.g., OSHA, NFPA 70E). Conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures to protect personnel and equipment. Maintain accurate records of control system modifications, repairs, and compliance documentation.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or a related field or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience in controls engineering, preferably in food manufacturing or a similar industry
• Proficiency in programming and troubleshooting PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMIs, and SCADA systems
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, robotics, and industrial automation technologies
• Experience with project management, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple facilities and teams
• Willingness to travel to support multiple production facilities as needed (up to 50% travel)

WHAT WE'D LIKE TO SEE

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification
• Experience with food safety standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP) and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and machine learning

WHY TEASDALE

At Teasdale Latin Foods, our People Principles are all about Living LATIN. What is LATIN, and how do I live it? Let us fill you in. L is Learning. It emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and development within Teasdale and promotes a culture of curiosity, exploration, and acquiring new knowledge and skills. A is Accountability. This encourages individuals to take ownership of their actions and responsibilities, promoting a sense of personal and collective accountability and ensuring we understand how to achieve our goals. T is Teamwork. It emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives, collective problem-solving, and synergy among team members, enabling us to achieve greater outcomes by leveraging the strengths and expertise of our employees. I is Innovation. This promotes an environment where we are empowered to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and seek innovative solutions to problems, fostering an atmosphere of adaptability and openness to change. N is Nurturing. It emphasizes the importance of supporting and developing our employees' well-being, growth, and potential, showing that we care and are willing to invest in their long-term success and satisfaction. We believe in finding the right people for the right roles and helping them to build careers. If this sounds like a place you'd like to be, Still not convinced? What about: Day One - Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits 401(k) Retirement Plan with Matching Contributions at 60 Days Career Growth Opportunities and Professional Development If you are passionate about being the right kind of contributor, the point person of a fast-paced, diverse organization, and a steward of great tradition, come join the family. We want people who are up for a challenge. Let's live LATIN! We are our people! We love food. Especially Mexican Food. Because of this passion, Teasdale Latin Foods understands that our people make a difference daily. Our employees are committed and excited to apply their expertise every day. From Manufacturing and R&D to Customer Service and Finance, all disciplines collaborate and strive for "Everyday Great Execution." In partnership with our Mission, Vision, and Operating Principles: we define our People Principles as living 'LATIN' (Learning, Accountability, Teamwork, Innovation, and Nurturing), which is how our organization will ensure we always make the right decisions for our people and the company. If that sounds good to you, search through our openings below, and let's talk.