Sr. Controls Specialist

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support site construction, expansion, and equipment design with strong expertise in process controls and electrical engineering.

You will manage projects, coordinate with vendors, and ensure GMP/food-safety compliance while optimizing manufacturing processes across facilities.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in engineering (preferably electrical).
• 5–8 years of multi-disciplinary technical experience in the dairy/food industry.
• Experience with HMI and ControlLogix programming and electrical schematics.
• Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide management with guidance on controls, electrical design, construction and maintenance.
• Develop and maintain process controls specifications and operating parameters.
• Lead projects for assigned plant and coordinate with vendors/contractors.
• Maintain capital budget and equipment schedules aligned with plant objectives.
• Ensure GMP compliance and regulatory standards across projects.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Process controls

HMI & ControlLogix

Project management

Vendor management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical preferred)

5–8 years multi-disciplinary dairy/food industry experience

Tools

ControlLogix

HMI programming

Electrical schematics

Job description

General Purpose

Facilitate new site construction, expansion, renovation, or equipment and facility design with expertise regarding process controls, electrical engineering, and related systems and equipment. This position primarily supports single plant facilities and assists other facilities with controls support and refinement as needed.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide management with information and guidance on all aspects of controls, electrical design, construction, and maintenance matters. Investigate and report on problems and recommend solutions
• Develop, organize, and maintain process controls and electrical engineering specifications, standards, and process equipment operational parameters to ensure process stability while maximizing manufacturing process efficiencies
• Develop and manage implementation of overall process control and electrical engineering plans and projects for assigned location. Manage multiple projects, vendors, and contractors as related to implementation of engineering plans
• Maintain capital budget and equipment schedules in accordance with plant construction, expansion, or new product objectives
• Communicate with DFA personnel on projects, priorities, timetables, and budgets
• Serve as technical authority on process controls and electrical engineering matters. Approve technical specifications on drawings and literature for process controls and electrical engineering
• Reduce facility and manufacturing operating costs by providing best option technical solutions and utilizing best method analyses towards improving internal systems
• Remain current knowledge of engineering trends and developments for application. Recommend changes in policies and procedures as appropriate
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in engineering (preferably electrical engineering) or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 5 to 8 years of multi-disciplinary technical experience in food industry (preferably dairy), including plant construction and/or expansion or related field
• Experience with HMI and ControlLogix Programming, one-line and electrical schematic design, electrical equipment, or other relevant technologies (i.e., pump and VFD control, configuration, and instrumentation)
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of architectural, mechanical, electrical and process engineering with emphasis on process controls
• Knowledge of Federal Drug Administration (FDA), GMP, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies and regulations
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Knowledge of regulatory codes and translating into blueprints and schematics
• Knowledge of project management processes, techniques, and tools
• Skill in planning, organization, analysis, and leadership
• Skill in contractor and vendor management
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to think ahead and plan for one to three year timeframe
• Able to complete problem analysis and resolution for both strategic and functional levels
• Able to manage projects for multiple plants simultaneously
• Able to lead people and get results through others
• Able to communicate with diverse range of individuals to ensure needs and requirements are met
• Able to think creatively and develop short- and long-range innovation
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans