Controls Specialist

dfa; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

DFA seeks an electrical engineer to support process controls for a single Pennsylvania plant, assisting with new construction, expansion, and equipment design. You will work with controls systems, HMI, and ControlLogix, coordinating with vendors to implement engineering plans.

The role emphasizes GMP compliance, documentation, and capital project tracking, with 5–15% travel. A degree in engineering and 2–4 years in food manufacturing are expected; strong communication and problem-solving are

Qualifications

• Undergraduate engineering degree required, electrical preferred.
• 2–4 years of multi-disciplinary technical experience in the food industry.
• Experience with HMI and ControlLogix programming; electrical schematic design.
• Certification or licensure may be required during course of employment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in controls/electrical design for new site construction, expansion, or renovations.
• Organize and maintain process controls documentation and equipment parameters.
• Coordinate projects with vendors and contractors; track capital budgets.
• Provide technical support on controls/engineering; review specs and drawings.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and shared technical insights.
• Ensure GMP, food safety, quality and sanitation requirements are followed.
• Communicate with DFA employees on timelines and priorities.

Skills

Process controls

Electrical engineering concepts

Project coordination

Regulatory compliance (FDA/GMP/OSHA/US

Communication skills

Reading/writing English

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

2-4 years experience in food industry

Tools

HMI

ControlLogix

One-line drawings

Electrical schematics

VFD control

Pumps and instrumentation

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Assist with new site construction, expansion, renovation, or equipment and facility design by providing support for process controls, electrical engineering, and related systems and equipment. This position focuses on supporting a single plant and provides occasional assistance to other locations with controls-related task and improvements.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gather and provide information on controls, electrical design, construction, and maintenance matters. Assist in identifying issues, documenting findings, and suggesting possible solutions
• Organize and maintain process controls and electrical engineering documentation, including specifications, standards, and equipment operating parameters to support process stability while maximizing manufacturing process efficiencies
• Support the implementation and upkeep of process control and electrical engineering plans and projects for the assigned location. Coordinate activities for projects, vendors, and contractors as related to implementation of engineering plans
• Track and/or update capital budget and equipment schedules to support plant construction, expansion, or new product objectives
• Communicate with DFA employees on projects, priorities, timetables, and budgets
• Serve as technical support on process controls and electrical engineering Review technical specifications on drawings and literature for process controls and electrical engineering
• Contribute to initiatives aimed at improving internal systems by identifying potential cost-saving measures and sharing technical insights
• Stay informed about engineering practices and developments to support their application in projects. Support changes in policies and procedures as appropriate
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills Other duties may be assigned as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate degree in engineering (preferably electrical engineering) or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 2 to 4 years of multi-disciplinary technical experience in food industry (preferably dairy), including plant construction and/or expansion or related field
• Experience with HMI and ControlLogix Programming, one-line and electrical schematic design, electrical equipment, or other relevant technologies (i.e., pump and VFD control, configuration, and instrumentation)
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Basic understanding of architectural, mechanical, electrical and process engineering with emphasis on process controls
• Familiarity with Federal Drug Administration (FDA), GMP, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies and regulations
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Familiarity with regulatory codes and ability to interpret them for use in basic drawings or schematics
• Familiarity with basic project management processes, techniques, and tools
• Skill in planning, organization, and analysis
• Able to work with contractors and vendors to support project needs
• Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of individuals to share information
• Able to assist with problem analysis and contribute to resolving issues at the functional level
• Able to support multiple project activities concurrently
• Able to work with others to achieve results
• Able to suggest creative ideas and contribute to short-term improvements
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

TRAVEL

• 5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans