Sr. Controls Engineer

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer in York, PA to provide plant electrical instrumentation and PLC-based control system expertise.

You will design, assemble, integrate, test, troubleshoot, and commission control systems while leading cross-functional teams and aligning with safety and lean initiatives. Ideal candidates have 5–8 years of experience, a 4-year technical degree, and familiarity with NEC, UL standards, Allen‑Bradley controls, SAP, AutoCAD, and CMMS.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in a plant engineering role.
• 4-year post-secondary degree in a technical field.
• Experience with PLC-based control systems in a high‑volume setting.
• Experience in a CPG or FDA-regulated manufacturing environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support design, assembly, integration, testing, and commissioning of PLC controls.
• Lead cross-functional teams to address engineering challenges and capital projects.
• Develop and coordinate training for operations and maintenance on instrumentation and controls.
• Identify cost reduction and efficiency improvement opportunities.
• Ensure safety compliance and lead electrical safety topics (NFPA70E).
• Assist with troubleshooting and preventive maintenance of control systems.
• Manage timelines, scope, and budgeting for automation projects.

Skills

PLC programming

Control systems

Troubleshooting

Electrical schematics

Project leadership

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety culture

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field

Tools

SAP

AutoCAD

MS Project

CMMS

Job description

Sr Controls Engineer

York, PA

Monday – Friday, hours may vary.

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

• Promote a safety culture and awareness within the 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.
• Complete projects within defined scope, allocated costs, time commitments and expected outcomes.
• Provide plant leadership for manufacturing and distribution in all technical and administrative aspects related to PLC’s, microprocessors, etc.
• Improve packaging and processing equipment control logic for better efficiency and reduced waste.
• Identify and develop project justification and business recommendations for engineering proposals and provide input for capital planning.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to address technical challenges and achieve critical objectives.
• Assist plant electricians, maintenance mechanics and line mechanics with control‑based troubleshooting, improvement initiatives, preventative maintenance and testing.
• Understand business needs, risks, and organizational dynamics and develop alternative plans and choices.
• Understand processing automation to troubleshoot and improve cycle time throughput.
• Identify and support cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Develop and coordinate technical training for operations and maintenance personnel related to instrumentation and controls.
• Lead electrical safety topics, including NFPA70E.
• Lead on electrical systems, recommending maintenance, repair and upgrades.
• Supervise instrumentation controls specialists and manage cross‑training and development of staff.
• Ensure employee time records are captured and approved accurately and timely.
• Initiate and process clear, consistent, fair and factual corrective actions.
• Foster positive employee relations and engagement through communication and practices.
• Execute continuous improvement and lean opportunities and meet Lean Daily Management objectives.
• Ensure sanitation and good housekeeping procedures and guidelines are followed.
• Participate in the new hire process and provide recommendations regarding terminations.
• Support the plant off‑hours as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Requirements

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

Preferred Education, Training, and Experience Requirements

• 5–7 years of engineering experience in a high‑volume, multi‑SKU, fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience in a CPG or FDA‑regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
• Flexibility to work various hours and shifts as needed, especially during large projects and installations.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and practices (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Continuous Improvement).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
• Direct technical experience with PLC‑based control system design, assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting and commissioning.
• Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC), Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standards, Allen Bradley Controls, AC and motor controls, and process sensors.
• Ability to calibrate and test controls, verify instrumentation accuracy and perform routine maintenance on plant‑wide control systems.
• Ability to interpret, red‑line and prepare detailed schematics, ladder logic diagrams, wiring schematics and PID/PFD diagrams.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments in a fast‑paced, production‑driven environment.
• Strong critical‑thinking skills and innovative problem‑solving with a bias toward Continuous Improvement fundamentals.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles including Six Sigma, 5S, TPS.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office Suite, MS Project, CMMS, SAP). Working knowledge of SAP Maintenance Module and AutoCAD is a plus.
• Ability to collect and analyze data and make appropriate recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of production operations, equipment, materials, workflow and related processes.

Required Training

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

Working Conditions

The operations facility is not climate‑controlled. Seasonal temperature variations apply. Candidates must abide by PPE standards and department dress code.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Church & Dwight is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veteran/Individual with Disabilities.