Senior Controls Engineer

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

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Company is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer for its Buffalo MilkBone facility. You will lead controls, automation, and electrical systems, guiding modernization initiatives and capital projects from concept to startup.

You’ll partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to optimize plant performance and mentor E&I technicians. The role demands hands-on engineering leadership, strong communication, and a willingness to work on-site with flexibility for off-shift

Qualifications

• 2-year diploma from an accredited technical/vocational college in automation/controls or a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.
• Understanding of controls or electrical engineering.
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the site’s technical expert for controls, automation, and electrical power systems.
• Lead automation, controls, and electrical infrastructure projects to 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 to solve manufacturing challenges and eliminate losses.
• Develop and mentor Electrical & Instrumentation technicians and support robotics and MES applications.

Skills

Controls knowledge

Automation leadership

Electrical power systems

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Technical diploma in automation/controls

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

ControlLogix

Wonderware HMI

Rockwell FactoryTalk

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Senior Controls Engineer

Are you ready to accelerate your engineering career while working with cutting-edge automation and manufacturing technology? Join our Buffalo MilkBone® team and become a key technical leader responsible for the site's controls, automation, and electrical systems. In this role, you'll lead high-impact projects, drive innovation, develop technical talent, and help shape the future of one of Smucker's flagship manufacturing facilities. If you're passionate about solving complex problems, implementing new technologies, and making a real impact from day one, this is the opportunity for you.

Location: 243 Urban St, Buffalo, NY 14211 (MilkBone® Manufacturing Plant)

Work Arrangements: 100% on-site, Day Shift – Flexibility required. Willingness to work off shift (including nights, weekends, and/or holidays) and flow to the work as needed

In this Role You Will

• 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.

Compensation Range: $85,500 - $123,200 annually

What We are Looking For

Minimum Requirements

• 2-year diploma from an accredited technical/vocational college in a automation/controls related field or a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• Understanding of controls or electrical engineering
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role

• Manufacturing experience in food, pet food, consumer packaged goods, or related industries.
• Understanding of machine and/or process control hardware, instrumentation and software (ex: Allen Bradley PLC, ControlLogix, Wonderware HMI, and Rockwell FactoryTalk)
• Experience with robotics and automation systems, including Motoman or similar platforms.
• Working knowledge of NFPA and OSHA electrical standards.
• Strong troubleshooting, project management, and continuous improvement skills.
• Passion for learning new technologies, solving technical challenges, and developing others.

Why Join MilkBone® Buffalo?

At Smucker, we believe great engineers are built through meaningful experiences, ownership, and continuous learning. This role provides opportunities to:

• Lead projects early and make a visible impact on plant performance.
• Build expertise in automation, controls, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Work alongside experienced engineering and operations leaders.
• Develop project management and leadership capabilities.
• Gain exposure to cross-functional teams and strategic business initiatives.
• Explore future career opportunities across Engineering, Operations, Technical Leadership, and Plant Management.

If you're looking for a role where you can learn, lead, innovate, and grow your career while working on some of the most recognized brands in the industry, we'd love to hear from you.

Work Environment

This job operates in a manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment and manufacturing sites can be loud.

Physical Demands: Regularly required to talk and hear. Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Able to lift objects up to 50 pounds frequently. May push and pull heavy objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn®

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. We’re a community of passionate, talented professionals dedicated to creating food people and pets love—while supporting the communities in which we work and live. We value what makes each person unique, champion growth and development, and foster collaboration that fuels productivity and drives our shared success.

Learn more about our Thrive Together purpose At Smucker, we're passionate about creating a workplace where you truly belong. With a culture rooted in our Basic Beliefs and a competitive Total Rewards program, we aim to support every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Learn more about working at Smucker Our culture is sustained and brought to life every day by the people of Smucker and our hiring process is designed to identify the right candidate for every position at our company. Learn more about our hiring process

The J.M.Smucker Co. (the “Company”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person will be discriminated against in hiring or in any other aspect of their employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.