Job Description Help for Job Description. Opens a new window. Veterans Preference Job Description Overview The Automation & Controls Lead is the plants technical authority for automation, controls, and factory floor network systems. This role ensures all control systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently while driving continuous improvement across the site. In addition to leading automation strategy for the home plant, the Automation & Controls Lead may support multiple facilities within a regional pod-partnering with technicians, engineering teams, and Technical Services Managers to elevate automation capability across sites.

Responsibilities Automation & Controls Leadership:

• Serve as the primary in plant leader for automation and control systems
• Ensure performance and reliability of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, drives, and industrial networks
• Align automation strategy with plant goals for safety, quality, productivity, and cost
• Own factory floor network design, performance, cybersecurity posture, and obsolescence planning
• Manage hardware and software lifecycle, including upgrades and mitigation plans

Project Leadership & Execution:

• Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning and operational handoff
• Deliver projects on time, within scope, and aligned with technical standards
• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Operations to ensure seamless execution

Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement:

• Diagnose and resolve complex automation and controls issues
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for automation related downtime
• Deploy automation solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and safety
• Maintain automation standards, documentation, and change management processes
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, safety requirements, and regulatory expectations
• Support audits and system validation activities Multi Plant (Pod)

Support:

• Provide technical support and leadership to sister plants within the assigned pod
• Coach and develop automation technicians across sites through capability building and knowledge sharing
• Partner with Technical Services Managers to strengthen automation maturity across the region

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $93,500 - $156,450.
• Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary.

Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience leading automation/controls in a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, industrial networks, and control system architecture
• Experience leading automation projects end to end
• Ability to influence across multiple sites and functions
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity and OT/IT integration
• Problem-solving skills in high availability environments

Preferred:

• Experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience with technical teams is preferred EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

An Equal Opportunity Employer:

Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View ourCo EEO Policy. Please view our Pay Transparency Statement. AI Translation Assistant Opens in new window