Controls Engineer

Simmons Foods; Rogers (AR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Simmons Foods in Rogers, AR is seeking a seasoned controls engineer to design, program and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems for food and beverage processing equipment. You will develop and maintain SCADA systems, ensure regulatory compliance, and work with MES/ERP for traceability.

The role requires 3+ years in controls engineering/SCADA, at least 1 year in food or beverage manufacturing, and a technical or vocational education (Bachelor's preferred).

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in controls engineering/SCADA development.
• At least 1 year in food or beverage manufacturing.
• Minimum education in electrical systems, automation or related field.
• Preferred bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems for processing equipment.
• Develop and maintain SCADA systems for real-time monitoring, data logging and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF standards in control designs.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and maintenance to optimize processes and reduce downtime.
• Integrate control systems with MES and ERP for traceability and batch management.
• Support CIP and SIP automation strategies and maintain documentation.

Skills

Controls engineering

Automation

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Vocational or Technical school in electrical systems, automation, or computer related field

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or Computer related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Ignition

FactoryTalk

Wonderware

SCADA

Job description

Create and maintain plant automation and control systems, staying current with new technology and safety requirements for all business unit operations. Set standards and introduce new technology in the electrical and controls field within operations.

Essential Position Responsibilities

- This is a salary exempt position.

Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) for food and beverage processing equipment.

Develop and maintain SCADA systems (Ignition, Factory Talk, and Wonderware) for real-time monitoring, data logging, and reporting. Ensure compliance with food safety standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF) in all control system designs. Collaborate with production, quality, and maintenance teams to optimize process control and reduce downtime. Integrate control systems with MES and ERP platforms for traceability and batch management. Support CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilize-in-Place) automation strategies. Maintain accurate documentation including electrical schematics, control narratives, and validation protocols.

Participates as a member of the Team

Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs, and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues, e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives:

Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives:

This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities:

Enters and locates information on a computer. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property. May travel via car or plane to various work locations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

As required by visiting facility.

Travel:

Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities or worksites, possibly requiring overnight stays.

Technical Experience:

3+ years of experience in controls engineering/SCADA development. with at least 1 years in food or beverage manufacturing.

Industry Experience:

1 years in food or beverage manufacturing.

Minimum Education

Vocational or Technical school in electrical systems, automation, or computer related field.

Preferred Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or Computer related field.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.