Senior Automation & Controls Engineer - Food & Beverage

We are seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to lead and execute engineering design activities across a range of capital projects—spanning from small upgrades to major EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) initiatives. This role plays a critical part in delivering automation solutions within food & beverage, consumer products, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and industrial facilities.

As a technical leader, you will oversee the design and implementation of automation systems (PLC, HMI, SCADA, MES) throughout all project phases—from concept through startup. This position requires a hands-on engineer with a strong foundation in controls design, team leadership, client interfacing, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage automation and controls scope on major EPC projects.

• Develop control system designs including PLC/HMI programming, I/O lists, control panel design, instrument specifications, and installation details.

• Prepare and review automation deliverables such as control narratives, device layouts, and electrical one-lines.

• Specify and procure control systems, manage vendors, and lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).

• Lead on-site commissioning and startup activities.

• Collaborate closely with project managers, electrical, mechanical, and process engineering teams.

• Review P&IDs, develop automation strategies, and define control logic with process engineers.

• Contribute to project budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning.

• Interface with clients, vendors, and construction teams to resolve technical issues.

• Support proposal development, estimating, and client presentations for future projects.

• Provide mentorship and technical direction to junior engineers and designers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (ABET-accredited).

• 7+ years of experience in automation/controls engineering, ideally in EPC project environments.

• Strong knowledge of control systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and MES.

• Experience leading automation design teams and managing controls projects from concept to startup.

• Familiar with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms; additional exposure to GE, Modicon, Triconex, or Opto22 is a plus.

• Proficient with FactoryTalk, Wonderware, Ignition, and other industrial automation software.

• Knowledge of applicable codes and standards: NFPA, ISA, IEC, IEEE, UL508A, ISA/IEC 61511, ISO13849.

• Strong understanding of machine and process safety design.

• Ability to travel approximately 30% for site surveys, commissioning, and client meetings.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

• TWIC card or ability to obtain one is required.

Preferred Experience:

• Batch control and MES systems (e.g., Ignition, Sepasoft, PTC ThingWorx, TrakSYS).

• Virtualization, server design, and network architecture in automation environments.

• Familiarity with PackML, PlantPAX, SISTEMA, and other advanced tools.

• Experience in the food & beverage or life sciences industries is a strong advantage.

In this role you will work on high-impact automation projects across leading industries, from concept through implementation. This is a chance to lead complex, hands-on projects, collaborate with top-tier professionals, and make a measurable impact within a growing, multi-discipline engineering team.