Principal Engineer, Digital Manufacturing Innovation

Illinois Ag; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

McCain Foods seeks a Principal Engineer, Digital Manufacturing Innovation to drive a global digital manufacturing transformation. You will shape strategy and execution of AI-driven analytics to enable intelligent manufacturing across a worldwide network of facilities.

Lead cross-functional teams, build scalable analytics platforms, and deliver measurable ROI while advancing Industry 4.0 technologies and data governance. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science.
• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing analytics, digital transformation, or industrial automation.
• 5+ years of experience in a senior leadership role.
• Strong background in AI/ML, predictive analytics, and data architecture.
• Proficiency with Python, SQL, Power BI, and Tableau.
• Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or related disciplines are considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership experience

AI/ML

Data architecture

Stakeholder management

Python

SQL

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

MES

SCADA

PLC

Job description

### Job Details#### Job Title:Principal Engineer, Digital Manufacturing Innovation #### Location:Oakbrook Terrace, IL, Nationwide United States,USA #### Company:McCain Foods #### Industry Sector:Food/Processing #### Industry Type:Food & Beverage Products and Processing #### Career Type:IT/Software Development #### Job Type:Full Time #### Minimum Years Experience Required:5 #### Salary:$111,700.00 - $149,000.00 . USD annually $111,700.00-$149,000.00 YEAR #### Open Until:October 9, 2026 ### Get Job Alerts**Career Type:** IT/Software Development **Country:** USAI agree to receive alerts from AgCareers.com and to the Terms of Service.# Principal Engineer, Digital Manufacturing InnovationBack to search resultsApply to this positionFollow CompanyMore Jobs from McCain...Send to Friend**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. To apply please click on APPLY TO THIS POSITIONApply to this position