Engineer, Automation And Controls

ENGINEER, AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS (Finance)

Ready to grow with a six-time US Best Managed Company?
KENT Precision Foods Group, a member of the KENT® Corporation family of companies, has an incredible opportunity to join our team as an Automation and Controls Engineer! This critical role will lead, design and implement both new systems and system upgrades for manufacturing operations, focusing on packaging line enhancements. In addition, this position plays a key role in increasing production efficiency by evaluating performance and proposing and implementing improvements across the facility.

• This role is designed and intended to be performed in Columbus, Mississippi.

• Communicate frequently and cooperatively with counterparts in the Engineering and Maintenance teams, providing input and feedback on plant controls issues.
• Understand, teach, and comply with all plant rules and policies affecting work done by the C&I group
• Train hourly E&I personnel in specific job skills, responsibilities, and tasks necessary for them to fully satisfy their job requirements.
• Plan, design and Supervise C&I work within your particular area of responsibility and as assigned.
• Ensure that all installations, new and existing, are properly documented with the information archived to enable general access in the future. This documentation includes updates to the CMMS, engineering drawings, and documentation correctly archived into the EDMS.
• Evaluate spare parts needs and whether there are appropriate spare parts available tiate spare parts requests as needed.
• The work done is in a plant environment, both inside and outside in all seasonal conditions. Must be able to climb stairs, work from elevated platforms and lifts, and be able to lift 50-lbs without assistance.
• Develop an understanding of plant processes to facilitate work involving all process area.
• Troubleshoot problems with processes and hardware
• Help establish new and maintain existing standards
• Design and develop software applications based on specifications or new concepts
• Review, modify and redesign technical code
• Develop and maintain PLC systems
• Implement projects and modifications to improve thru-put automation equipment
• Maintain technical subject matter expertise of material handling automation systems
• Utilize CMMS for preventative maintenance and spare parts inventory

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering Practice (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical preferred)
• 5 years of hands‑on Automation/Controls industrial experience
• Thorough understanding of electrical/controls engineering.
• Proven experience in project planning and coordination in preferably in a high‑volume production environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality control, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• PLC and HMI programming experience
• Knowledge in pneumatics, programmable logic controllers, electrical circuits, electrical machinery, and human‑machine interfaces
• Understanding of basic electrical assembly and wiring

• 30-40%