Sr Engineer Controls-1st Shift- Waverly Plant

Tyson Foods; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Tyson Foods seeks a Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Leader to drive strategy and reliability across our facilities. You will lead PLC/SCADA implementations, standardize control architectures, and mentor engineers and technicians in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The role requires 7+ years in automation, strong leadership, and hands-on expertise with industrial networks, Ignition SCADA, and data systems.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field.
• Minimum 7+ years in automation, controls, or industrial engineering.
• Experience leading projects, mentoring staff, and providing technical leadership.
• Strong PLC/HMI/SCADA, industrial networking, and process automation knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams.
• Lead design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems.
• Drive capital projects and reliability initiatives across facilities.
• Develop talent and foster a culture of accountability and continuous learning.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Technical guidance

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Project management

Automation expertise

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Ignition SCADA

SQL databases

Python scripting

AutoCAD Electrical

SolidWorks

Job description

**Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Leader****Position Summary**We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced **Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Leader** to provide technical and operational leadership across our **Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams**. This role is responsible for driving automation strategy, improving plant reliability, leading capital and process improvement initiatives, and developing the next generation of technical talent within the organization.This role requires a strong balance of leadership, engineering expertise, project management, and continuous improvement experience.**Key Responsibilities****Leadership & Team Development*** Provide direct leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to the Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams.* Develop team capabilities through coaching, training, succession planning, and hands-on support.* Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.* Serve as a technical resource and mentor for engineers, technicians, and plant personnel.* Lead by example through active involvement in troubleshooting, project execution, and continuous improvement efforts.* Support recruiting, onboarding, and development of future technical talent.**Automation & Controls Engineering*** Lead the design, implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial automation systems.* Oversee control system architecture, standardization, and best practice development across facilities.* Support and troubleshoot industrial control platforms including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Automation Direct, and other automation systems.* Ensure reliable integration of instrumentation, sensors, drives, motion control systems, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment.* Lead control system upgrades, modernization initiatives, and automation expansion projects.* Drive implementation and optimization of Ignition SCADA, SQL databases, industrial networking, and data collection platforms.* Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.**Continuous Improvement & Reliability*** Identify and lead process improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, throughput, quality, and operational reliability.* Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies to eliminate waste and improve performance.* Analyze production and equipment performance data to identify opportunities for optimization.* Drive reliability-centered maintenance initiatives and long-term corrective actions.* Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to automation, reliability, and process improvements.**Project Management*** Lead automation, controls, and engineering projects from concept through implementation and startup.* Coordinate activities with operations, maintenance, production, vendors, contractors, and engineering resources.* Assist with capital planning, budgeting, equipment selection, and project justification.* Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.* Support installation, commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment and processes.**Required Qualifications****Education*** Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required.* Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.**Experience*** Minimum of **7+ years of automation, controls, or industrial engineering experience** in a manufacturing environment.* Prior experience leading projects, mentoring employees, or providing technical leadership within engineering or maintenance organizations.* Demonstrated expertise with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and process automation.* Strong understanding of electrical systems, instrumentation, controls integration, and industrial automation technologies.* Experience with root cause analysis, reliability improvement, and continuous improvement methodologies.* Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives.**Preferred Qualifications*** Experience with Ignition SCADA, SQL databases, Python scripting, and industrial data systems.* Experience with VFDs, motion controls, robotics, machine vision, and advanced manufacturing technologies.* Knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, EtherCAT, and related industrial networks.* Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks, or similar design software.* Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PMP, or other continuous improvement certifications preferred.* Experience implementing digital transformation, Industry 4.0, AI vision, machine learning, or predictive maintenance technologies is a plus.**Key Competencies*** Technical Leadership* Strategic Thinking* Employee Development & Coaching* Project Management* Automation & Controls Expertise* Continuous Improvement* Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis* Communication & Collaboration* Change Management* Operational Excellence**Working Conditions*** Must be comfortable working in manufacturing environments with varying temperatures, humidity levels, noise levels, and production conditions.* Periodic travel between facilities may be required.* Ability to work around industrial equipment, electrical systems, elevated work platforms, and production machinery.* Must be able to safely operate or work around forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and ladders as required.