Sr Engineer Controls-1st Shift- Waverly Plant

Tyson Foods; Waverly (NE); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

401(k) plan

Health, life, dental, vision benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Tyson Foods seeks a Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Leader to steer the Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams. You will drive automation strategy, improve plant reliability, and lead capital and process improvement initiatives.

This role balances leadership, engineering expertise, project management, and continuous improvement experience. You will design, implement, and optimize PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, oversee control platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Ignition),

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field.
• 7+ years in automation/controls in manufacturing.
• Experience leading projects and mentoring teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, troubleshooting of PLC/HMI/SCADA systems.
• Drive automation strategy and plant reliability improvements.
• Develop talent and coach engineers across teams.

Skills

Leadership

Automation Engineering

PLC/SCADA

Project Management

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation Eng

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Ignition SCADA

Job description

Job Details:Senior Automation & Controls Engineering LeaderPosition SummaryWe 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 ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team DevelopmentProvide 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 EngineeringLead 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 & ReliabilityIdentify 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 ManagementLead 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 QualificationsEducationBachelor'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.ExperienceMinimum 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 QualificationsExperience 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 CompetenciesTechnical LeadershipStrategic ThinkingEmployee Development & CoachingProject ManagementAutomation & Controls ExpertiseContinuous ImprovementProblem Solving & Root Cause AnalysisCommunication & CollaborationChange ManagementOperational ExcellenceWorking ConditionsMust 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.All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.Relocation Assistance Eligible:YesWork Shift:1ST SHIFT (United States of America)Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here .Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.