Job Description

Controls Engineer – Plant Automation Systems

Location: Chandler, AZ area
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site with Travel

Position Summary:

A food & beverage manufacturing company is seeking a Controls Engineer to support new automation initiatives and upgrade legacy systems across multiple manufacturing locations. This role is anchored in the Chandler, AZ area with project-based involvement across other plants. The selected candidate will be responsible for system architecture, commissioning, troubleshooting, and enforcing automation standards.

This engineer will work directly under the regional Controls Engineering Team Lead and act as a key contributor in advancing automation reliability, data capture, and plant system performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead programming and deployment of automation systems, including PLC logic, HMI screens, and MES data acquisition.

• Support the company’s helpdesk system by resolving controls and automation issues for the Casa Grande facility and other sites.

• Design and document control system architecture, including panel layouts, hardware selection, and network communication paths.

• Establish, document, and enforce standard practices for automation logic, safety integration, and device connectivity.

• Collaborate with and provide direction to third-party integrators and engineering service providers involved in automation system installations.

• Interface with production and quality teams to ensure system performance aligns with operational requirements.

Required Experience & Skills:

• At least 6 years of hands-on experience in a controls or automation engineering role, ideally within regulated industries such as food, beverage, or personal care manufacturing.

• Expert-level skills in programming Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs using ladder logic.

• Strong HMI configuration skills—AVEVA/Wonderware ArchestrA System Platform preferred.

• Familiarity with object-oriented design concepts as they relate to reusable automation code structures.

• Competency in process control panel design/specification including BOMs, terminal layouts, and I/O mapping.

• Proven background in programming for batch and process control environments, including experience with CIP/SIP systems.

• Experience with MES platforms, either AVEVA or similar, is highly desirable.

• Working knowledge of .NET, SQL databases, and industrial networking using Ethernet/IP protocols.

• Excellent communication skills—capable of clear technical writing and collaboration with cross-discipline teams.

• Proficiency with common productivity tools including Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.

• Experience in a sanitation-sensitive environment, particularly involving CIP (Clean-In-Place) or SIP (Sterilize-In-Place) processes.

• Familiarity with data acquisition and performance analytics through MES integration.

• Ability to manage controls projects independently and mentor junior team members.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to travel up to 25% to other facilities for project implementation and support.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.