Sr Engineer Controls-1st Shift- Waverly Plant

The Best Job Board; Waverly (NE); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Tyson Foods is seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Leader to drive automation strategy and plant reliability across multiple facilities. You will lead the Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams, guiding projects from concept through startup and ensuring safe, on-time delivery.

The role requires 7+ years’ automation/industrial engineering experience, strong PLC/SCADA expertise, and a track record in mentoring technical staff. Domestic travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Automation/Industrial engineering or related field required.
• 7+ years automation/controls experience in manufacturing.
• Experience leading projects and mentoring within engineering or maintenance.
• Strong PLC, HMI, SCADA, networking and process automation knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams.
• Lead design, implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of automation systems.
• Oversee control system architecture and standardization across facilities.
• Drive reliability-focused improvements and capital project execution.
• Collaborate with operations to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.

Skills

Technical Leadership

Project Management

Problem Solving

Communication

Continuous Improvement

Strategic Thinking

Employee Development

Coaching

Change Management

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Automation Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Industrial Engineering or related field

Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience

Tools

Ignition SCADA

SQL databases

Python scripting

VFDs

Motion controls

Robotics

Machine vision

Ethernet/IP

Modbus

Profinet

EtherCAT

AutoCAD Electrical

SolidWorks

Job description

Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Leader

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.

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.

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: Yes

Work 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.

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.