Lead Automation & Controls Engineer – Food Manufacturing

Zina's Fine Foods; SOUTH PLAINFIELD (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Employee discounts

Free food & snacks

Paid time off

Job summary

Zina's Fine Foods is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to own the design, performance, and reliability of our automated production systems on-site in South Plainfield, NJ. You will determine line configurations, equipment purchases, programming approaches, and standards for maintenance teams, in a first‑shift, salaried role.

Experience in refrigerated or regulated food manufacturing is strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Five or more years designing, programming, and troubleshooting industrial control systems.
• Experience with Allen Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms.
• Ability to read, interpret, and produce electrical schematics and process flow diagrams.
• Proficiency with VFDs, servo systems, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Ability to work independently and exercise engineering judgment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and modify PLC control programs for production equipment using ladder logic and structured text.
• Determine control architecture and integration approach for new lines including PLC, VFD, HMI, servo, sensors, and networks.
• Evaluate automation technologies and develop specifications for equipment purchases.
• Define machine parameter standards and operating windows for throughput and quality.
• Plan and direct installation and commissioning of new and used equipment.
• Provide technical direction to maintenance staff and develop SOPs and changeover standards.
• Ensure automation systems meet safety, GMP, HACCP, and SQF requirements.

Job description

Zina's Fine Foods is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to own the design, performance, and reliability of our automated production systems on-site in South Plainfield, NJ. You will determine line configurations, equipment purchases, programming approaches, and standards for maintenance teams, in a first‑shift, salaried role.

Experience in refrigerated or regulated food manufacturing is strongly preferred.