Sr. Engineering Project Manager - Controls

Mars

Sparks (NV)

On-site

USD 108,000 - 149,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Mars is seeking a Digitalization & Controls Project Engineer to lead automation initiatives across our manufacturing footprint. You will drive multi-million dollar capital projects from scoping through handover, bridging plant floor controls with Factory IT, and coordinating with vendors and internal teams.

The role emphasizes MES/MOM integration, cybersecurity awareness, and collaboration with controls and IT engineers to deliver robust automation solutions.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Engineering required.
5+ years experience in a comparable technical position or 10+ years of Controls experience in food & beverage industry.
In-depth knowledge of industrial LV electrical systems, instrumentation, PLCs, and HMI/SCADA interfaces (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
Knowledge of MES/MOM systems, Factory IT systems, and cybersecurity is a plus.
Demonstrated success managing capital projects (scheduling, budgeting).
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to travel up to 50% for plant commissioning and handovers.

Responsibilities

Research, evaluate, and select emerging digitalization and automation technologies for projects.
Lead multiple capital investment projects from scoping to handover.
Oversee integration and deployment of digitalization and automation systems.
Collaborate with controls and IT engineers to tailor solutions.
Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety, and quality guidelines.
Identify and manage project risks and budget adherence.
Facilitate handover to operations with proper commissioning and training.
Maintain stakeholder communication and regular status updates.
Manage vendor relationships and procurement for hardware and software.
Provide training and knowledge transfer to end-users.

Skills

Project management

Team collaboration

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors degree in Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley

Siemens

MES/MOM systems

HMI/SCADA

Factory IT networks

Job description

Project Manager - Controls

Based in OH, CA, NV, SC, MO

Travel up to 50% to support projects.

Ready to shape the future of digital manufacturing? We are looking for a Digitalization & Controls Project Engineer to lead the integration of advanced automation, Industry 4.0 technologies, and robust controls networks across our manufacturing footprint.

In this role, you won't just keep the lights on—you will run the show on multi-million dollar capital investment projects, researching and implementing cutting‑edge automation solutions from technical scoping to final handover. If you want to bridge the gap between traditional plant‑floor controls and modern Factory IT, this is your next step.

What are we looking for?

Minimum:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering AND
5+ years’ experience in a comparable technical position OR
10+ Controls experience within the Food and Beverage industry
In-depth knowledge of industrial low-voltage electrical systems, instrumentation, PLCs, and HMI/SCADA interfaces (e.g., Rockwell Automation/Allen‑Bradley, Siemens).
Knowledge of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)/Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) systems, Factory IT Systems (physical/virtual servers, networks), and Factory Cyber Security is a plus
Demonstrated success managing capital projects (scheduling, managing contractors, and controlling budgets).
Proven ability to work in a team environment and on high performing teams
Strong communication, listening, and influencing skills
Ability to travel up to 50% to support plant commissioning, critical project startups, and technical handovers.

Preferred:

Electrical or Electronics Engineering or other related electrical or controls degree
5+ years’ experience in a comparable technical position within the following industries: food, beverage, pharmaceutical or related
Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or MOM platforms.
Familiarity with Factory IT Environments (virtualized servers, industrial networking protocols, and factory cybersecurity frameworks).

What will be your key responsibilities?

Technology Research, Evaluation, and Selection: Research and evaluate emerging digitalization and automation technologies to identify solutions suitable for specific project requirements in collaboration with regional and global engineering.
Delivering several capital investment projects simultaneously, from providing technical scoping with internal customer and business stakeholders, through design with 3rd parties, to Project Closure.
System Integration and Implementation: Oversee the integration and implementation of digitalization and advanced automation systems within existing manufacturing infrastructure. Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to ensure seamless deployment and adherence to project timelines.
Collaboration and Automation: Collaborate with controls engineers, and IT/automation engineers to tailor solutions for optimal performance to meet the unique requirements of manufacturing processes.
Compliance and Standards Adherence: Ensure digitalization and automation projects comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, safety, and quality guidelines.
Risk Management: Identify and manage project risks associated with digitalization and automation initiatives. Mitigate potential issues and resolve project-related challenges to ensure successful project delivery.
Handover to Operations: Facilitate the transition of completed projects to operations and technical teams. Ensure digitalization and automation systems are properly commissioned, tested, and handed over for ongoing maintenance and support.
Stakeholder Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Provide regular updates on project status, milestones, and deliverables.
Budget and Resource Management: Manage project budgets and resources effectively to ensure cost‑efficient execution of digitalization and automation projects. Monitor expenditures, allocate resources, and track project progress against financial targets.
Training and Knowledge Transfer: Provide training and support to end‑users and operational staff on using and maintaining digitalization and automation systems. Facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development to ensure successful adoption and utilization of new technologies.
Vendor and Supplier Management: Collaborate with external vendors and suppliers to procure hardware, software, and services required for digitalization and automation projects. Negotiate contracts, manage vendor relationships, and ensure deliverables meet quality standards and specifications.

What can you expect from Mars?

Ability to have influence across 14 different sites across the Pet Nutrition North American network
Work with over 130,000 like‑minded and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
Best‑in‑class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in‑house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.