Lead Automation & Controls Engineer – Food Manufacturing

CJ Schwan's; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

CJ Schwan's is hiring an Automation and Controls Engineer to provide technical leadership for electrical and automation systems in our new Sioux Falls facility. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and supporting automated manufacturing processes to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in Automation/Controls/Electrical Engineering within manufacturing, ABET credentials, and hands-on experience with PLCs, SCADA, and HMI design.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering required, Electrical preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in Automation, Controls, or Electrical Engineering in manufacturing.
• Experience supporting industrial control systems and electrical systems.
• Food/beverage/CPG manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the plant's SME for automation, controls, and electrical systems.
• Lead automation projects to improve efficiency, reliability, and quality.
• Develop strategies for controls systems, networks, and plant floor automation.
• Establish automation standards: PLC programming, HMI, SCADA, architecture.
• Drive continuous improvement through automation and technology solutions.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting for production equipment and networks.
• Support maintenance and lifecycle management of automation systems.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Safety, and Sanitation teams.
• Mentor Controls Technicians and maintenance staff with technical training.
• Ensure compliance with safety, food safety, and regulatory guidelines.
• Participate in capital projects, startups, commissioning, and upgrades.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and system records.

Skills

Automation

Controls

Electrical Engineering

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering

ABET-accredited engineering program

Tools

PLC programming

SCADA

HMI design

Job description

CJ Schwan's is hiring an Automation and Controls Engineer to provide technical leadership for electrical and automation systems in our new Sioux Falls facility. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and supporting automated manufacturing processes to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in Automation/Controls/Electrical Engineering within manufacturing, ABET credentials, and hands-on experience with PLCs, SCADA, and HMI design.