Senior Automation & Controls Engineer - Food & Beverage

Senior Automation & Controls EngineerThis role is responsible for guiding and delivering advanced automation and control system solutions across a wide range of complex industrial projects. The position supports full project life cycles-from early concept development through detailed engineering, construction support, and system commissioning-within highly regulated and technical environments.

The individual will take ownership of control system design and execution, ensuring that all technical deliverables meet project objectives, safety expectations, and performance standards. Work may involve both standalone automation initiatives and integrated, large-scale capital projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and execute automation and control system engineering activities across all project phases, including planning, design, implementation, and startup.
• Maintain adherence to all applicable safety requirements and site-specific protocols.
• Lead the development of control system architectures, including PLC, HMI, batch processing systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and supporting infrastructure such as servers and virtualization platforms.
• Direct a multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, and technical specialists while coordinating closely with project management, electrical engineering, procurement, construction, and other functional groups.
• Develop detailed engineering documentation such as I/O lists, instrument indexes, control narratives, panel designs, and installation drawings.
• Manage specification, selection, and oversight of third-party vendors supplying control panels and related equipment; lead factory acceptance testing activities.
• Contribute to electrical system design for low- and medium-voltage equipment, including power distribution layouts and cabling schedules.
• Define instrumentation strategies for key process variables (e.g., flow, pressure, temperature, level, analytical measurements) and select appropriate technologies.
• Collaborate with process engineering teams to interpret and refine control requirements within process diagrams and system designs.
• Perform design verification, calculations, and technical reporting to support engineering decisions.
• Coordinate with remote or external design teams to ensure alignment and timely delivery of project outputs.
• Conduct internal quality reviews of engineering deliverables and ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Support construction planning, contract development, and field execution activities.
• Assist in developing cost estimates, schedules, and resource plans using various engineering and estimating tools.
• Track project progress, budgets, and performance metrics in coordination with project leadership.
• Provide on-site support for installation, troubleshooting, and commissioning, including leading startup activities.
• Address field issues through design adjustments, inspections, and system testing.
• Prepare and manage technical change documentation throughout project execution.
• Contribute to business growth by supporting proposal development, client engagement, and strategic planning efforts.
• Mentor and guide junior team members while assisting in resource planning and staffing decisions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline) from an accredited program, along with completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and relevant professional experience; or
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field with demonstrated industry experience.
• Proven expertise in automation and control system design within industrial project environments.
• Strong understanding of applicable codes and standards such as NFPA, ISA, IEC, IEEE, and safety-related frameworks.
• Experience with a range of control platforms, including PLC, SCADA, DCS, and safety systems.
• Familiarity with major automation vendors and software platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, and others), with additional exposure to SCADA and MES technologies considered advantageous.
• Ability to lead technical teams, delegate effectively, and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Stron…