Senior Automation & Controls Engineer - Food & Beverage (Hiring Immediately)

We are seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to lead and execute engineering design activities across a range of capital projectsspanning 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 phasesfrom 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 :

Bachelors 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.