Lead Controls & Automation Engineer

The J.M. Smucker Company; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 86,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The J. M. Smucker Co.

is seeking a Senior Engineer, Controls for the Buffalo MilkBone manufacturing site. You will lead controls, automation, and electrical systems, directing high-impact projects that raise reliability and efficiency on a 100% on-site team. You will mentor E&I technicians, collaborate with Operations and Engineering, and drive modernization initiatives while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 2+ years of controls/automation experience.
• Experience with industrial control systems and automation technologies such as Allen-Bradley PLCs, ControlLogix, Wonderware HMI, FactoryTalk, or similar platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting, project management, and continuous improvement skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the site's technical expert for controls, automation, and electrical power systems.
• Lead automation, controls, and electrical infrastructure projects that improve reliability, efficiency, and plant performance.
• Drive the site's controls and power systems roadmap, including modernization initiatives and technology upgrades.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to solve complex manufacturing challenges and eliminate losses.
• Develop and mentor Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) technicians, helping build the next generation of technical talent.
• Support robotics, PLCs, HMIs, MES applications, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Leverage manufacturing data and analytics to improve operational performance and decision making.
• Champion electrical safety and ensure compliance with NFPA, OSHA, and company standards.
• Lead capital projects from concept through startup, gaining exposure to cross-functional leadership and strategic initiatives.
• Influence the future technology strategy of the Buffalo facility through innovation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Controls

Automation

Electrical Engineering

PLC Programming

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

ControlLogix

Wonderware HMI

FactoryTalk

Job description

The J. M. Smucker Co.

is seeking a Senior Engineer, Controls for the Buffalo MilkBone manufacturing site. You will lead controls, automation, and electrical systems, directing high-impact projects that raise reliability and efficiency on a 100% on-site team. You will mentor E&I technicians, collaborate with Operations and Engineering, and drive modernization initiatives while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.