Senior Engineer - Automation & Controls

Grande; Alabama; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost onsite health clinics

Free onsite fitness center

Free healthy snacks

Health and wellness reimbursement

Paid paternal leave

Job summary

Grande, a leader in Italian cheeses, seeks a Senior Engineer – Automation & Controls for its new Chilton, WI facility. You will lead mid to large-scale equipment optimization projects, implement automation tech, and support processing systems while coordinating with high-performance teams to meet timelines and budgets.

We value hands-on engineers passionate about safety, quality and continuous improvement, with strong Rockwell PLC and HMI expertise and a drive to advance in a startup,

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Electrical Controls or related field.
• 8+ years of related experience with controls and instrumentation systems or 6+ years with Bachelor's degree.
• Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose problems and propose improvements.
• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Experience with Rockwell PLCs and industrial automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead mid to large-scale equipment optimization projects.
• Implement new automation technologies across processing systems.
• Provide technical support and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Define timelines and budgets aligned with operations goals.

Skills

Electrical controls

Troubleshooting

Project management

Communication

Automation systems

Education

Associate degree in Electrical Controls

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Rockwell PLCs (ControlLogix/CompactLogix/SLC500/PLC5)

Industrial HMI systems (Rockwell, Ignition, Wonderware)

Industrial automation networks (Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet)

Industrial historians (Wonderware, Ignition)

Job description

With more than 80 years of crafting “The Finest Italian Cheeses Money Can Buy”, Grande is a leader in the industry! Whether partnering with independent pizzerias from coast-to-coast to ensure they’re delivering the very best pizza to their customers or assisting our food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to quality can’t be matched. While Grande’s reputation of excellence in the market is important, we believe our commitment to our workplace and community culture is of equal merit – our Associates come first at Grande. To complement our industry-leading benefits, Grande puts an emphasis on your career growth opportunities, while always promoting a positive work/life balance and supporting the communities in which we live and work. If you want to learn more about our company – what we do and how we go about it – or learn more about our beautiful, state-of-the‑art corporate headquarters, visit www.grande.com .

• Low‑cost onsite health clinics.
• Free onsite fitness center.
• Free healthy snacks throughout facility.
• Health and wellness reimbursement program.
• Paid Paternal Leave.

Why Chilton?

Located in the heart of Calumet County, Chilton blends small‑town charm with big opportunity. With a cost of living 5% below the Wisconsin average and housing prices well under national levels, it’s an affordable and attractive place to live, work, and grow your career. Known for its safety, welcoming community, and strong local values, Chilton offers an ideal environment for those seeking to unwind, recharge, and embrace a relaxed and balanced lifestyle.

Chilton also features easy access to parks and outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown with local dining and entertainment, and annual festivals that celebrate the area’s local culture and community spirit. As the proud home of Grande’s newest start‑up location, Chilton presents a unique opportunity to be part of something new and impactful, joining an organization dedicated to professional excellence, enriching the lives of our Associates (employees), and fulfilling “a purpose greater than ourselves”.

Job Summary

Join our team as an Senior Engineer – Automation & Controls at our newly launched, state‑of‑the‑art facility in Chilton, WI. In this dynamic role, you’ll lead mid to large scale equipment optimization projects, implement new automation technologies, and provide technical support for our processing systems. You’ll collaborate with high‑performance teams to drive project execution, define timelines and budgets, and ensure alignment with our operational goals.

We’re looking for a hands‑on engineer who’s passionate about safety, quality, and continuous improvement. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a startup facility backed by industry expertise—while contributing to a positive, innovative, and team‑driven culture.

What you need to be considered for the role:

• Associate Degree in Electrical Controls or other related field required.
• Associate's Degree and eight (8) or more years of related experience with controls and instrumentation systems; or Bachelor's Degree and six (6) or more years of related engineering experience required.
• Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose problems and recommend improvements.
• Ability to interpret a variety of technical information, instructions and details and utilize to guide methods and procedures.
• Planning and prioritization skills, innovation, multi‑tasking, goal setting, analytical skills, adaptable, continuously looking to raise the bar for progress.
• Ability to understand, influence, drive, and negotiate with internal and external customers.
• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Advanced PC skills including Windows, Microsoft Office Suite and Engineering and design software.
• Advanced knowledge in mathematical concepts such as fractions, ratios, value analysis, thermodynamics, to resolve engineering designs and problems.
• Must have experience and advanced proficiency with industrial automation control systems in all of the following:
  • Motor Control and Power Distribution
  • Industrial Electrical Enclosure design and construction
  • Rockwell Programmable Logic Controllers PLCs (Rockwell ControlLogix, CompactLogix, SLC500, PLC5)
  • Industrial Human Machine Interface systems (Rockwell, Ignition Software, Wonderware)
  • AC Variable Speed Drive Systems and Servo Drive Systems
  • Industrial Control Safety circuits, sensors and practices
  • Industrial Controls Networks, (Ethernet IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, DH+ and RemoteIO)
  • Microsoft Operating Systems Desktop and Server Based
  • Industrial Historian Systems (Rockwell, Wonderware, Ignition)
  • Industrial Reporting Systems (Rockwell VantagePoint, Wonderware)
  • Distributed HMI systems

Preferred:

• Bachelors Degree in related Engineering field preferred.
• Project management certification and/or Professional Engineering license preferred.
• Knowledge of USDA, FDA, OSHA and environmental regulations, codes, and standards.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.