Senior Engineer - Controls

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

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Co. is seeking a Senior Engineer, Controls for its Milk Bone Buffalo plant.

You will act as the technical expert for site controls, automation, and electrical systems, leading projects that improve reliability and efficiency while mentoring E&I technicians and partnering with operations and maintenance teams. You will drive modernization initiatives, support robotics and MES applications, and leverage analytics to optimize plant performance and safety in a 100% on-site position

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 2+ years of controls, automation, or electrical engineering experience.
• Experience with industrial control systems and automation technologies such as Allen-Bradley PLCs, ControlLogix, Wonderware HMI, FactoryTalk, or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Controls engineering

Automation

Electrical systems

Robotics

PLC programming

HMI development

MES applications

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

ControlLogix

Wonderware HMI

FactoryTalk

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Senior Engineer, Controls

Are you ready to accelerate your engineering career while working with cutting-edge automation and manufacturing technology?

Join our Buffalo Milk Bone® 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:

Buffalo, NY | Milk Bone® Manufacturing Plant

Work Arrangement:

100% On-Site

• Willingness to support off-shift operations, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Participate in an on-call rotation supporting critical plant systems

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

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 2+ years of controls, automation, or electrical engineering experience.
• Experience with industrial control systems and automation technologies such as Allen-Bradley PLCs, ControlLogix, Wonderware HMI, FactoryTalk, or similar platforms.

Additional Skills & Experience That Will Help You Succeed

• Manufacturing experience in food, pet food, consumer packaged goods, or related industries.
• 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 Milk Bone® 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.

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TheRight Placefor 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.

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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.