Senior Controls Project Engineer

Reports to: Director of Engineering

 

Who We Are

Since 1955, we have been on a mission To Passionately Feed Millions Daily with High Quality Food People Enjoy!  We are a third-generation family-owned and professionally managed organization with a commitment to strategic growth. We continue to be successful because of talented people, just like you, who choose to join our family and call E.A. Sween home. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, respectful, and rewarding culture where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work each and every day.  At E.A. Sween, our team members are seen, heard, and appreciated not just for what they do, but for who they are. We hope you’ll join us!

 

What We’re Seeking

A Senior Controls Project Engineer that will lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced automated control systems in a food manufacturing environment. This role requires significant experience in managing control system projects, leading teams, and ensuring compliance with USDA and FDA regulations. A deep understanding of sanitary electrical design principles and a commitment to food safety compliance are essential. You will also be responsible for mentoring maintenance automation/controls technicians, optimizing control systems, and providing high-level technical guidance. Proficiency in PLC programming languages and controls system hardware, as well as familiarity with HVAC and refrigeration systems, is critical. Flexibility in work hours is required during critical project phases.

 

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

·       Leadership in Control System Design & Development: Lead the design and implementation of complex automated control systems for food processing equipment, ensuring compliance with USDA and FDA regulatory requirements. Develop advanced control logic, programming, and configurations of control systems to meet stringent operational, safety, and sanitation standards. Create or oversee the creation of detailed electrical schematics and control panel layouts, ensuring adherence to sanitary design principles and industry best practices.

·       Project Management & Team Leadership: Manage small to large-scale control system projects from initial design to final commissioning, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Direct outside vendors during projects and start-ups. Mentor a team of maintenance automation/controls technicians, providing technical guidance, project oversight, and professional development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, maintenance, R&D and food safety quality, to ensure cohesive system integration and optimal performance.

·       System Integration: Integrate control systems with manufacturing equipment, HVAC, refrigeration, robotics, sensors, and actuators to achieve seamless operation and regulatory compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure control systems are designed and installed with a focus on sanitary design to minimize contamination risks. Troubleshoot, modify, and upgrade control systems to meet evolving production and safety needs.

·       Advanced Programming & System Optimization: Develop and optimize PLC programs using advanced techniques in ladder logic diagrams, structured text, function block diagrams, sequential function charts, and instruction lists. Program, configure, and test control systems utilizing Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, ABB, and Keyence PLC controllers. Experience with additional platforms is advantageous. Implement advanced communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP) to ensure reliable system performance across integrated systems.

·       High-Level System Testing & Commissioning: Oversee on-site installation, rigorous testing, and commissioning of control systems, ensuring adherence to food safety standards and system reliability. Lead efforts in calibrating and tuning control systems, including critical HVAC and refrigeration systems, to ensure optimal performance. Provide advanced-level training for operations and maintenance personnel, including three shift teams, ensuring smooth handover and long-term system sustainability.

·       Regulatory Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all control systems comply with USDA and FDA regulations, and sanitary design principles, particularly in high-risk food production environments. Develop comprehensive documentation, including system designs, compliance reports, and technical manuals, for both internal use and regulatory bodies. Lead efforts to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of system changes, upgrades, and compliance-related activities.

·       Continuous Improvement & Strategic Innovation: Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance system efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve compliance with SQF (Safe Quality Food) standards. Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure the organization remains competitive in adopting cutting-edge control solutions. Collaborate with senior management to align control system strategies with broader business objectives and drive long-term operational success.

 

What You’ll Need (Qualifications)

·       Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field.

·       Experience: Minimum 8+ years of experience as a Controls Engineer, with significant exposure to food manufacturing environments and strict regulatory standards.

·       Technical Expertise: Advanced proficiency in PLC programming languages: ladder logic diagrams, structured text, function block diagrams, sequential function charts, and instruction lists. Extensive experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, ABB, and Keyence PLC Controllers. Familiarity with additional platforms is a plus.

·       Leadership Skills: Proven experience leading teams, managing projects, training and mentoring maintenance personnel.

·       Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of USDA and FDA regulations, particularly related to food safety and sanitary design.

·       Problem-Solving & Innovation: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems and drive innovation through process optimization.

·       Team Collaboration: Strong communication skills to work with cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, maintenance, R&D and food safety quality) and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

·       Project Management: Experience managing control system projects from concept through to commissioning.

·       Flexibility: Ability to adjust work hours during project and production startups as needed.

·       Preferred: Familiarity with HVAC and refrigeration systems in food manufacturing environments.

·       Preferred: Familiarity with SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification standards and industry-leading continuous improvement practices.

·       Preferred: Knowledge of advanced food manufacturing technologies, such as industrial IoT and predictive analytics.

 

How You’ll Find Success at EAS

·       Value People Most of All: Show respect & care, embrace diversity, and empower others.

·       Commit to Safety Everyday: See something say something do something, practice safe behavior, and celebrate safety success.

·       Invest in Our Company to Thrive: Share ideas to improve, learn & grow, and embrace change.

·       Think Before Doing And Act Decisively: Make thoughtful decisions, work together to find solutions, and do what’s right.

·       Welcome Constructive Straight Talk: Be honest and respectful even when difficult, be open to ideas and feedback, and ask questions to understand.

·       Serve Up Exceptional Experiences: Provide value to customers, take pride in your work, and help others to be successful.

 

·       Enjoy What You Do!: Have a positive attitude, Live the Spirit of E.A. Sween, and celebrate success.