Job Description

Controls Engineer – Automation Systems

Location: Wooster, OH
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview:

A prominent food manufacturing organization is actively recruiting a Controls Engineer to join its centralized engineering team. This role will be responsible for leading the deployment and optimization of automated control systems across multiple production sites, with a primary base at the company’s flagship Wooster facility.

The engineer will be heavily involved in project execution—ranging from new equipment automation to system upgrades and enhancements. The position also includes on-site support responsibilities and collaboration with third-party integrators to ensure continuity with corporate control standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, program, and commission plant-level automation systems, including PLC logic, HMI interfaces, and MES integration.

• Provide technical troubleshooting and support for existing control systems via the internal helpdesk ticketing platform.

• Draft specifications and drawings for automation architecture, including panel layout, hardware selection, and network topologies.

• Implement and maintain standards for control strategies and instrumentation integration.

• Direct and oversee external engineering firms and systems integrators on assigned projects to ensure alignment with internal design protocols.

• Interface with operations and cross-functional engineering teams to support production readiness and systems reliability.

Required Expertise:

• 6+ years of experience in automation and controls engineering within highly regulated manufacturing, preferably in food, beverage, or consumer products sectors.

• Advanced ladder logic programming skills within Allen-Bradley ControlLogix environments.

• Strong background in HMI development—experience with AVEVA/Wonderware ArchestrA System Platform is preferred.

• Solid grasp of object-oriented programming principles applicable to modular control environments.

• Capable of designing and specifying process control panels, wiring diagrams, and field communication layouts.

• Familiarity with CIP/SIP systems, sanitation automation, and clean-design principles (preferred).

• Hands-on experience with industrial MES platforms such as Wonderware, or similar.

• Background in .NET development and SQL scripting for data interaction and reporting is a plus.

• Understanding of Ethernet/IP protocols and industrial communication best practices.

• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written; able to clearly present concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Proficient in standard desktop software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for documentation and reporting.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

• Willingness to travel up to 25% for project-based work at production sites.

• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. 

This is a key opportunity for a seasoned controls professional to shape the future of factory automation and help drive process consistency, efficiency, and safety across a large-scale manufacturing footprint.