Sr. Controls Engineer

Church & Dwight; Thomasville (York County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Church & Dwight in York, PA seeks a Sr Controls Engineer to support plant electrical instrumentation and PLC-based control systems from design to commissioning. You will lead cross-functional teams, troubleshoot, and improve control logic to drive efficiency and reduce waste.

The role requires 5–8 years in a manufacturing setting, a 4-year technical degree, and strong knowledge of NEC/UL standards and Allen Bradley systems. Travel and shift flexibility may be required.

Qualifications

• Requires a 4-year technical degree and 5–8 years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
• Proven experience designing, testing, and commissioning PLC-based control systems.
• Strong knowledge of NEC/UL standards and electrical safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Promote safety culture and enforce safety policies within area of responsibility.
• Design and modify process control and instrumentation systems.
• Lead capital projects related to automation and controls infrastructure.

Skills

PLC programming

Instrumentation

Electrical safety

Cross-functional leadership

Troubleshooting

AutoCAD

SAP

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Tools

Allen Bradley PLCs

MS Project

CMMS

SCADA

Job description

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

• Sr Controls Engineer
• Monday - Friday Hours may vary

LOCATION:

York, PA facility where we manufacture and distribute products such as A&H Cat Litter, and A&H Laundry Detergent!

ROLE SUMMARY:

This position will provide plant electrical instrumentation and controls engineering support in the design, assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting and commissioning of PLC-based control systems.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible at all times for promoting a safety culture and awareness within area of responsibility. Support all plant safety policies and procedures.
• Assist with the design and modification of new and existing process control and instrumentation systems.
• Manage capital projects relating to automation and controls infrastructure, etc. Complete projects as assigned within defined scope, allocated costs, time commitments and expected outcome.
• Provide plant leadership for manufacturing and distribution in all technical and administrative aspects related to PLC's, microprocessors, etc.
• Continually improve packaging and processing equipment controls logic for better efficiency and reduced waste.
• Assist in the identification and development of project justification and business recommendations for engineering proposals including providing input for capital planning process.
• Lead cross-functional teams, addressing technical challenges to achieve critical objectives.
• Assist plant Electricians, Maintenance Mechanics and Line Mechanics in all control-based troubleshooting, improvement initiatives, preventative maintenance and testing and other plant maintenance activities.
• Understand business needs, risks and organizational dynamics as well as their implications based on developing alternate plans and choices.
• Understand processing automation for troubleshooting and improving cycle time throughput.
• Identify and support cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Develop and coordinate all technical training requirements for operations and maintenance personnel as related to instrumentation and controls.
• Provide plant leadership in electrical safety topics, including NFPA70E.
• Provide plant leadership on electrical systems, including recommendations for maintenance repair and upgrades.
• Provide direct supervisor to instrumentation controls specialist.
• Manages cross-training and development of staff to ensure a deep flexible workforce.
• Ensures employee time records are captured and approved in an accurate and timely manner.
• Initiates and processes clear, consistent, fair, and factual corrective actions.
• Fosters positive employee relations and engagement through communications and practices.
• Ensures continuous improvement and lean opportunities are executed and ensures Lean Daily Management objectives are met.
• Responsible for ensuring that all sanitation and good housekeeping procedures and guidelines are followed.
• Participates in the new hire process from interview through selection and provides recommendations to manager and HR Business Partner regarding terminations.
• Support the plant in off-hours as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• 5 -8 years of experience
• 4-year post‑secondary degree in relevant technical field.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• 5-7 years previous engineering experience in high volume, multiple SKU, fast‑paced manufacturing environment. CPG and/or experience in a FDA‑regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
• Flexibility to work various hours and shifts as needed, especially during large projects, installations, etc.
• Lean Manufacturing: Experience with lean manufacturing principles and practices. This includes familiarity with concepts such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Continuous Improvement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal skills - ability to build positive relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent communications skills - ability to communicate clearly and concisely in multiple media - verbal, written, etc.
• Excellent organizational/time management skills.
• Direct technical experience in the design, assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting and commissioning of PLC-based control systems.
• Proven knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC) and Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standards, Allen Bradley Controls, AC and motor controls, and process sensors of all types.
• Capability to calibrate and test controls, verify instrumentation accuracy and effectiveness and perform routine maintenance on the plant-wide controls system.
• Ability to interpret, red‑line and prepare detailed control and instrumentation schematics, ladder logic diagrams, wiring schematics and PID's/PFD's.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments in a fast‑paced, dynamic, production driven work environment.
• Solid critical thinking skills and ability to create new, innovative ways to handle situations with a strong bias towards Continuous Improvement fundamentals.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles including Six Sigma, 5S, TPS, etc.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office Suite, MS Project, CMMS and SAP). Working knowledge of SAP Maintenance Module and AutoCAD a plus.
• Ability to methodically collect and analyze data and make appropriate recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of production operation, including equipment, materials, workflow, etc.

REQUIRED TRAINING:

Candidates are required to complete all necessary trainings within the defined introductory period.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The operations facility is not in a climate‑controlled environment. Candidates will be exposed to the seasonal temperature variations. All candidates will be required to abide to all PPE standards and department dress code.

Church & Dwight is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

For more information on our company, our brands and our culture visit us at http://www.churchdwight.com/