Senior Controls Engineer

Jobtailor; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior electrical and controls engineering expert in Buffalo to lead automation, controls, and power systems initiatives. You will guide modernization programs, mentor technicians, and collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to eliminate losses and improve plant performance.

You will apply data analytics, supervise capital projects, and ensure NFPA/OSHA compliance while driving technology strategy across the facility.

Qualifications

• Requires 2-year diploma from an accredited technical/vocational college in automation/controls or a Bachelor’s in Engineering.
• Understanding of controls or electrical engineering.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Manufacturing experience in food, pet food, consumer packaged goods, or related industries.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial software (Allen Bradley, ControlLogix, Wonderware, FactoryTalk).
• Experience with robotics/automation systems (Motoman or similar).
• Knowledge of NFPA and OSHA electrical standards.
• Willingness to work off shift including nights, weekends, or holidays.

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 and plant performance.
• Drive the controls and power systems roadmap including modernization initiatives.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to solve manufacturing challenges.
• Develop and mentor Electrical & Instrumentation technicians.
• Support robotics, PLCs, HMIs, MES applications, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Use data analytics to improve operational performance and decisions.
• Champion electrical safety and NFPA/OSHA compliance.
• Lead capital projects from concept to startup.
• Influence the facility's technology strategy through innovation.

Skills

Controls Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Project Management

Troubleshooting

Continuous Improvement

Manufacturing Data Analytics

Machine Control Hardware

Instrumentation Software

Robotics Systems

Automation Systems

Education

2-year diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

ControlLogix

Wonderware HMI

Rockwell FactoryTalk

Motoman Robotics

Job description

• 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 controls and power systems roadmap, including modernization initiatives and technology upgrades
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to solve manufacturing challenges and eliminate losses
• Develop and mentor Electrical & Instrumentation technicians
• Support robotics, PLCs, HMIs, MES applications, and advanced manufacturing technologies
• Use 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
• Influence the Buffalo facility's technology strategy through innovation and continuous improvement

Requirements

• 2-year diploma from an accredited technical/vocational college in an automation/controls related field or a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• Understanding of controls or electrical engineering
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Manufacturing experience in food, pet food, consumer packaged goods, or related industries
• Understanding of machine and/or process control hardware, instrumentation and software, including 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
• Willingness to work off shift, including nights, weekends, and/or holidays
• Ability to lift objects up to 50 pounds frequently
• Ability to push and pull heavy objects
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, plus ability to adjust focus

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in controls, automation, and electrical power systems, with a strong focus on project management, continuous improvement, and compliance with NFPA and OSHA standards. Proven ability to mentor technicians and drive technology strategy through innovation in manufacturing environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Controls Engineering
• Project Management
• Electrical Safety Compliance
• Robotics and Automation Systems
• Manufacturing Data Analytics

Hard Skills

• Controls Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Project Management
• Troubleshooting
• Continuous Improvement
• Manufacturing Data Analytics
• Machine Control Hardware
• Instrumentation Software
• Robotics Systems
• Automation Systems

Soft Skills

• Strong Communication Skills
• Mentoring
• Problem Solving
• Passion for Learning

Industry Keywords

• NFPA Standards
• OSHA Standards
• Food Manufacturing
• Pet Food Manufacturing
• Consumer Packaged Goods

Tools & Technologies

• Allen Bradley PLC
• ControlLogix
• Wonderware HMI
• Rockwell FactoryTalk
• Motoman Robotics