Controls Engineering Leader

The J.M. Smucker Company; Flint Hill (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Company in McCalla, AL is seeking a technical leader to ensure reliable operations in our plant. Candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of relevant controls experience and an educational background in engineering or a technical field.

This role involves overseeing power and control systems, compliance with safety regulations, and providing engineering support on capital initiatives. Our culture encourages flexibility with the support of operations during night or weekend shifts as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years relevant controls experience; 5+ years preferred.
• Minimum of 1–2 years experience leading or managing others.
• Experience with plant systems software and manufacturing maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as key technical leader supporting equipment reliability.
• Ensure compliance with local and national regulatory codes.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations leaders for new equipment.

Skills

Strong knowledge of machine and process control hardware

Leadership and supervisory experience

Problem-solving skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications

Education

BS in Engineering or technical degree preferred, Associate's degree required

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms

Proficy

Job description

Location: McCalla, AL

Work Arrangements: Monday–Friday with flexibility to support operations during occasional evenings, nights, or weekends, based on operational and business needs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as key technical leader within the plant, supporting equipment reliability, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring power and control systems operate safely and efficiently across Bakery or Sandwich Making areas.
• Primary administrator and troubleshooter for plant power and control systems; key member of plant technical leadership.
• Build and maintain sustainable systems for plant E&I skill development; coach area E&I Coordinator on skill assessment and development of operating and E&I technicians.
• Work with the Controls Engineering Manager to build and maintain sustainable process and machine control onboarding and development systems for Process Engineers, Interns and area leaders.
• Develop power and control standards and ensure their application in the assigned area.
• Ensure compliance with local and national regulatory codes (NFPA 70, 70e, 79, OSHA 1910) and safe practices for equipment.
• Validate MES data from PLC into Proficy; support Process Engineers in conditioning PLC data for analysis, including application development.
• Maintain site sustainability metering equipment (power monitors, usage flow meters); use data to develop plans to reduce consumption and costs.
• Provide expertise in design and implementation of machine control and process automation applications (control strategies, HMI design, MES applications, KPI development).
• Identify losses and develop strategies to eliminate them in safety, quality, reliability and cost, in collaboration with the Controls Engineering Manager, department management and technicians.
• Own key system elements for power and control systems (electrical safety, LOTO, electrical PPE, energized work permits, low voltage qualification, quality/CCP compliance such as checkweighers, metal detectors, vision systems, ingredient flows, temperatures).
• Work closely with engineering and operations leaders on selection, installation, and start‑up of new equipment; become technical expert and train others with regard to control systems.
• Serve as project manager for initiatives ranging from E&I focused projects to complete capital projects.
• Provide power and control engineering support on capital initiatives in the area of responsibility.
• Provide daily support throughout other parts of the plant as needed.
• Learn and apply advanced control, simulation and process modeling technologies to analyze and improve overall process and packaging operations.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or another technical degree preferred; Associate’s degree required.
• Minimum of 4 years relevant controls experience; 5+ years preferred.
• Minimum of 1–2 years experience leading, supervising or managing others; 5+ years preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years manufacturing experience; mechanical and electrical experience in food manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to lead and build capability on the floor; manage within a team environment.
• Strong knowledge of machine and process control hardware, instrumentation and software (Allen Bradley PLC, Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms).
• Working knowledge of NFPA and OSHA guidelines related to electrical equipment and practices.
• Understanding of technical systems and terminology; experience integrating new technologies; leading installation of equipment in food manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated results in manufacturing maintenance utilizing maintenance systems.
• Experience with plant systems software (Proficy, Project Management, eAM, etc.).
• Self‑motivated and able to motivate others.
• Strong organizational, critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective presentation, verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Will travel as required for plant start‑up; willingness to work off‑shifts or weekends as needed.
• Willingness to relocate for future opportunities.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.