Principal Engineer, Digital Manufacturing Innovation

Illinois Ag; Illinois; On-site; USD 112,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

McCain Foods is seeking a Principal Engineer, Manufacturing Insights, to lead its global digital manufacturing transformation. You will define strategy, architecture, and execution of advanced analytics and AI-driven solutions for a connected, multi-site production network.

The role requires deep expertise with MES, SCADA, PLCs and cloud platforms, plus a track record of delivering measurable improvements in OEE, quality, and productivity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing analytics or digital transformation.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role and enterprise-scale delivery track record.
• Proficiency with Python, SQL, Power BI, and Tableau.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a global manufacturing analytics and digital transformation roadmap.
• Lead AI, IoT, and cloud-based initiatives to enable intelligent manufacturing.
• Architect scalable analytics integrating MES, SCADA, PLCs, and cloud systems.
• Develop AI/ML models for predictive maintenance and process optimization.
• Drive improvements in OEE, production efficiency, and quality outcomes.
• Establish data governance and partner with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Python

SQL

Power BI

Tableau

AI/ML

Data architecture

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering/Data Science/CS

Tools

MES

SCADA

PLCs

Cloud platforms

Job description

**Requisition ID: 42596****Job Description**In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.**About the role.** The Principal Engineer, Manufacturing Insights, is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving McCain’s global digital manufacturing transformation. This role leads the strategy, architecture, and execution of advanced analytics and AI-driven solutions to enable intelligent, connected manufacturing across a global network of production facilities. Acting as both a technical authority and strategic advisor, this position shapes how data and technology improve operational efficiency, quality, and productivity.**What you’ll be doing.*** Define and execute a global manufacturing analytics and digital transformation roadmap* Lead large-scale initiatives leveraging AI, IoT, and cloud-based platforms* Architect scalable analytics solutions integrating MES, SCADA, PLCs, and cloud systems* Develop AI/ML models for predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and process optimization* Drive improvements in OEE, production efficiency, and product quality outcomes* Establish and enforce data governance and standardization frameworks* Partner with cross-functional teams across manufacturing, supply chain, and IT* Present data-driven insights and ROI-based recommendations to senior leadership* Identify and scale Industry 4.0 technologies, including digital twins, smart sensors, and automation* Lead organizational change initiatives and build digital capabilities across the business**What you’ll need to be successful.*** Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field* 15+ years of experience in manufacturing analytics, digital transformation, or industrial automation* 5+ years of experience in a senior leadership role* Deep expertise in industrial systems such as MES, SCADA, and PLCs, as well as cloud-based data platforms* Strong background in AI/ML, predictive analytics, and data architecture* Proficiency with tools such as Python, SQL, Power BI, and Tableau* Demonstrated success leading enterprise-scale transformation initiatives* Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills* Proven ability to quantify and deliver measurable business value* Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or related disciplines are considered an asset**About the team.** You will join McCain’s Manufacturing Digital team, working closely with global manufacturing operations, supply chain, and technology partners. This team is focused on building next-generation digital capabilities that enable intelligent, data-driven manufacturing and support McCain’s broader digital transformation strategy.**About McCain.*** Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide opportunities to make an impact that matters.**Leadership principles.** At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.**The McCain experience.** We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.**Compensation Package:** $111,700.00 - $149,000.00 . USD annually + Bonus eligibilityThe above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs. This posting is for an existing vacancy.