Lead Engineer Controls (Onsite)-Connectivity

Tyson Foods; Springdale (AR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Tyson Foods in Springdale, AR, is seeking a hands-on Connectivity Program Manager to lead the Smart Factory 'Are We Winning' initiative across Tyson facilities. You will directly configure, test, and troubleshoot connectivity, work with plant leadership and OEMs on PLCs, networks, and data mapping, and manage 10–20 projects concurrently.

This role requires a technical Bachelor's degree, 5+ years plant experience, strong PLC and networking skills, and ~25% travel; candidates must translate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent hands-on connectivity experience.
• 5+ years hands-on work with plant processes and equipment, configuring and troubleshooting machine connectivity.
• Strong PLC and industrial networking knowledge; ability to translate technical concepts for stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Smart Factory Connectivity program across Tyson Foods' plants.
• Personally configure, test, and troubleshoot connectivity (protocol setup, data mapping, network integration).
• Collaborate with plant leadership, technicians, OEMs to design connectivity plans.
• Manage cost estimates, project plans, and timelines; drive execution across teams.
• Manage 10–20 projects simultaneously.
• Ensure full delivery on schedule and at cost.

Skills

PLC configuration

Industrial networking

OPC UA

MQTT

Ethernet/IP

Project management

Technical communication

Ignition

Anaplan

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Ignition

Anaplan

OPC UA

Ethernet/IP

Job description

This position's primary responsibility is to lead the Smart Factory "Are We Winning" Program's Connectivity Effort across Tyson Foods' production facilities. This is a hands-on technical role as much as a program-management role — the individual will personally perform connectivity configuration and troubleshooting, not simply direct others who do. Program workflow:

• Work with plant leadership to identify key processing equipment requiring connectivity. (Non-technical communication)
• Work directly with plant technical personnel and machine OEMs to design the connectivity plan — including hands‑on evaluation of PLC architecture, network topology, and data availability at the machine. (Technical / PLC background and technical communication)
• Personally configure, test, and troubleshoot connectivity — protocol setup, PLC data mapping, and network integration — stepping in as the technical resource when plant or contractor capability falls short. (Hands‑on technical execution)
• Work with plant leadership, technical personnel, integrators, contractors, and corporate finance on cost estimates, project plans/timelines, and CIR building. (Communication and project management)
• Drive execution across all teams and personnel involved to ensure each project delivers on schedule and at cost. (Project management)
• Manage 10–20 projects simultaneously. (Multi‑project program management)

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another technical field preferred. Equivalent work experience is acceptable if the individual demonstrates hands‑on technical ability to execute connectivity work directly, communication skills to lead the program, and project management capability.Experience: 5+ years working with plant processes and equipment, including direct, hands‑on experience configuring and troubleshooting machine connectivity — not solely oversight or coordination of others performing the work.Technical Skills: Strong, hands‑on knowledge of machine PLCs and industrial connectivity/networking (e.g., OPC‑UA, MQTT, Ethernet/IP, or comparable protocols). Proficient in Microsoft Office. Background in Ignition and Anaplan a plus.Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication. Demonstrated ability to translate technical information for non‑technical stakeholders and vice versa.Special Skills: Builds rapport quickly with plant teams and develops strong long‑term relationships. Performs the technical work personally when needed, rather than relying solely on others to execute. Thrives in ambiguity and operates as a self‑starter.

Travel

• 25%
• Not eligible for immigration/work authorization support now or in the future **
• Not eligible for relocation assistance **

All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI‑generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI‑enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI‑supported outcomes.

Relocation Assistance Eligible

No

Work Shift

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

• We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.

Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.