Process Control Engineer

Refresco; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Refresco seeks a Process Controls Engineer to drive continuous improvement, lead infrastructure automation upgrades, and mentor technicians across beverage production lines. You will design and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and servo systems while mastering Ethernet networks and SQL Server development.

The role covers optimizing control strategies for bottling, pasteurization, and packaging, with strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and training initiatives to elevate plant

Qualifications

• Proficient in advanced control theory and industrial networks.
• Experience tuning PID controllers for filling, pasteurization and packaging lines.
• Design, integrate and troubleshoot automation systems (sensors, actuators, VFDs, servos).

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and analyze process data to drive plant performance.
• Develop PLC/SCADA/DCS programs and implement automation upgrades.
• Mentor Controls Technicians and organize relevant training sessions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy new automation technologies.
• Ensure system reliability and implement disaster recovery strategies.

Skills

PID tuning

Industrial networks

Structured text

Function blocks

VFDs

Servo motors

HMI/SCADA

Education

Diploma or degree in Electronics/Automation/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation PLC

RSLogix 5/500/5000

FactoryTalk Studio

Ethernet/IP/DeviceNet

SCADA systems

Job description

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game.We are solutions-based.We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too:Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.

Stop and think: how wouldYOUput our drinks on every table?

Position Description

The Process Controls Engineer will help drive continuous improvement projects, and lead infrastructure automation upgrades to keep automation systems up-to-date and mitigate obsolescence. In addition, the Controls Engineer will be an expert in PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and Servo System programming and troubleshooting, as well as a master in Ethernet Network configuration and diagnostics and developing the SQL Server. This position will also work to enhance the skills of Controls Technicians, Electricians, and Instrumentation Technicians through developing training development plans and organizing and delivering relevant training sessions.

Essential Functions:

• Utilizes expert knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, Ethernet Networks, I/O networks, to efficiently troubleshoot controls automation system issues, determine root cause, and implement timely, permanent solutions.
• Use condition monitoring tools to perform predictive maintenance (PdM) analysis on Production Equipment to identify pending maintenance issues, and issue PM work orders to take corrective action to prevent emergency breakdowns and to determine root cause of maintenance issues.
• Analyze performance trends and conducts root cause corrective action to drive improvements.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing process data and implementing engineering solutions to enhance plant performance, machine reliability, and overall efficiency.
• Leads automation infrastructure upgrades and develops disaster recovery strategies to enhance system resilience and reliability.
• Designs and implements process control strategies to optimize production efficiency.
• Develops and programs PLC, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and DCS (Distributed Control Systems) for process automation.
• Works with cross-functional teams to integrate new automation technologies into production lines.
• Works on optimizing entire process systems, often involved in capital projects and system upgrades.
• Works with industry-specific control systems like Rockwell PlantPAx, Siemens PCS7, Honeywell Experion, or Emerson DeltaV.
• Specializes in continuous process manufacturing, including beverage bottling, pasteurization, and brewing, ensuring automation strategies align with industry-specific requirements.

Required Skills:

• Requires knowledge of advanced control theory, industrial networks, PID tuning, and higher-level programming (structured text, function blocks).
• Strong understanding of PID tuning and process control strategies to optimize filling, pasteurization, and packaging systems.
• Ability to design, integrate, and troubleshoot industrial automation systems including sensors, actuators, VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), servo motors, and motion control systems.
• Familiarity with high-speed bottling, canning, and packaging automation including case packers, fillers, and conveyors.
• Experience with data acquisition and analytics tools to track OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), downtime, and process optimization.
• Understanding of clean-in-place (CIP) automation and batch control systems for maintaining food safety and quality standards.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Detail-oriented mindset with confidence, approachability, and a proactive attitude in troubleshooting and optimizing control systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, reporting, and presentations.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong customer focus with the ability to understand and meet operational and business needs through process automation and control solutions.
• Ownership - is eager to take ownership of responsibilities; can and does think independently to excel in role; takes ownership of challenges.
• Results Focus - exhibits commitment to goals and consistently delivers results; demonstrates personal initiative and independent motivation to achieve goals and objectives; takes risks when necessary; undaunted by obstacles.
• Communication - relates well to people both verbally and in written form; builds rapport along all dimensions of organization; resolves conflicts; provides clear directions and information.
• Customer Focus - understands and meets needs of customers and business partners; builds positive customer relationships.
• Problem Solving - breaks down problems and generates a range of solutions; thinks outside the box and uses ideas of others to help develop solutions; acts and evaluates results of actions.

Education and Experience:

• Diploma or degree in Electronics, Automation, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Rockwell Automation PLC, VFD, HMI, and Servo System programming and troubleshooting expert.
• PLC programming utilizing RSLogix 5, 500, 5000, and FactoryTalk Studio software.
• DeviceNet and Ethernet I/P knowledge will be key for success.
• Remote communication and I/O systems experience.
• Experience in Virtual Network and Thin Clients.
• SQL Server Experience (preferred).
• Licensed Industrial Electrician (preferred).

Working Conditions:

• Work environment - Work and environment fasted paced, requiring ability to remain focused under pressure.
• Schedule - This role will primarily be Monday - Friday but must be flexible to work nights and/or