Process & Controls Engineer; PLC​/HMI

Position: Process & Controls Engineer (PLC/HMI)
Location: Bridgeton

Division Information

The Pet Care business unit of Spectrum Brands is based in St. Louis, Missouri with distribution, manufacturing and sales offices throughout the US and globe. Owners of dogs, cats, birds, small animals, fish and reptiles rely on our brands for exceptional value and trusted results. Our industry-leading brands include Tetra, Instant Ocean, Marineland, 8-in-1, Dingo, FURminator, Nature's Miracle, Glo Fish, Dream Bone and Smart Bones.

Job Summary

Spectrum Brands has an exciting opportunity for a process engineer to join our St. Louis manufacturing team.

Driven by consistent growth over the past several years, we are investing heavily into the facility, equipment,

and processes in our plant to increase capacity and effectiveness. The process engineering role will play a vital

part of our expansion and upgrade plans by researching alternatives and developing capital requests for new

machines and processing lines. We currently utilize automated equipment such as robotic palletizers, bottle

sorters, liquid fillers, and cap applicators and will continue to deploy the latest automation technology to

increase the efficiency of our operation. In addition to developing capital requests, the process engineer will

also work with our product development group to introduce new products and innovations. In addition, the

process engineer is responsible for continuous improvement of our manufacturing lines in areas such as safety, quality, and efficiency.

Primary

Duties & Responsibilities

* Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), utilizing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies

* Serve as a key technical resource supporting day-to-day plant operations, partnering closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to drive process improvements

* Own and maintain production line PLC programs and automation systems, including updates, documentation, and version control

* Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, and automation issues on production equipment to minimize downtime and improve reliability

* Perform root cause analysis on recurring issues and implement corrective actions to drive sustainable improvements

* Support and enhance preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve equipment performance and reduce unplanned downtime

Process & Equipment Improvement

* Identify and implement opportunities to increase production output, improve efficiency, and reduce waste

* Develop and standardize operating procedures for equipment operation, inspection, and maintenance

* Evaluate and support new product development (NPD) initiatives to ensure manufacturing capabilities meet product requirements

* Assist in the design and improvement of manufacturing processes, equipment, and control systems

* Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize workflows, layouts, and manufacturing processes

Automation & Technical Ownership

* Design, modify, and implement PLC/HMI programs and automation solutions to support manufacturing operations

* Maintain accurate technical documentation including electrical schematics, control logic, and equipment files

* Provide technical training and support to operations and maintenance teams on equipment and control systems

* Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety requirements, and system reliability best practices

Projects & Capital Execution

* Lead and support capital projects, including equipment selection, design, installation, and commissioning

* Coordinate fabrication, installation, and startup of new equipment to ensure alignment with engineering designs and specifications

* Develop and execute annual capital plans and strategic improvement initiatives

* Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables while communicating progress to stakeholders

Safety & Compliance

* Promote and maintain a safe work environment by adhering to all safety policies and procedures

* Ensure equipment and processes meet regulatory, quality, and company standards

* Support a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across the facility

Education and Experience Profile

* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience

* 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment

* Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLC/HMI systems (Allen Bradley, Control Logix, RSLogix/Studio 5000) required

* Experience supporting production equipment, including electrical and mechanical troubleshooting

* Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and root cause analysis (RCA)

* Experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG) environment preferred

* Experience working with VFDs and automated equipment preferred

* Exposure to Six Sigma methodologies is a plus

Required Skills

* Strong verbal and written communication/presentation skills.

* Ability to effectively collaborate and partner with different functional groups and customers.

*…