Automation & Controls Manager

Overview

Target hiring range: $100k to $130k, which reflects the range we anticipate offering to qualified candidates, based on experience, skills, and alignment with role expectations.

This is an on-site role based in Rochelle, IL; candidates should be within a reasonable daily commute at the time of hire.

The Automation & Controls Manager is responsible for overseeing and supporting all automated process control systems utilized across Del Monte Foods’ manufacturing and distribution facilities. This position requires exceptional communication skills and a high level of technical expertise in process control systems, automation technologies, and equipment used in food manufacturing and utility operations.

The incumbent will provide hands-on support for automated systems, including troubleshooting process and equipment issues, coordinating contractor activities, and executing automation-related projects. This role will also lead the development and implementation of Del Monte Foods’ strategic direction for controls and automation, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. The Automation & Controls Manager will drive improvements in system reliability, response time to equipment failures, and the standardization of automation procedures across all sites.

• Develop and manage capital projects related to automated equipment within the Sites.
• Maintain and update SCADA software and Historian SQL databases.
• Lead Controls standards and best practices for cost control, safety, capital projects, utilities, controls engineering throughout the Company.
• Manage machine controls network with the use of Allen Bradley PLC, remote I/O, panel view and servo motion.
• Lead the technical interfaces that move, manipulate and transfer data between the plant floor to the enterprise business systems.
• Understand and translate business needs into Automation processes leveraging the extensive experiences within the Controls team.
• Partners with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Site leadership, equipment vendors and parts suppliers to plan and coordinate new technology installations, upgrades, or overhauls.
• Review existing and new processes, and if necessary, design systems to improve system/plant efficiencies, costs and quality.
• Ensure product safety through development, review and enforcement of company policy.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, federal and corporate food safety regulatory standards.
• Review and enforce company quality standards provided by facility, regional and corporate quality authorities.
• Recommend and specify technologies to efficiently produce Del Monte Quality products.
• Act as technical liaison between IT, Operations, M&R, Capital, IT and DMOE teams.
• Leverage different programming languages to allow greater capability when interacting with many different controls systems to further enhance our solutions flexibility.
• Site automation staff training and general education.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and/or

Certifications:

• BS degree in Industrial Technology, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or related field, or practical experience.

Location:

• Qualified candidates must be based within commuting distance of Rochelle, IL at the time of hire.

Travel:

• 25% travel may be required

Years of

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience

Skills

• Experience in programming and troubleshooting of all Allen Bradly software (RS Logix 500, 5000, Factory Talk ME) and controls.
• High level of understanding in Layouts, 2D drawings, tolerances, technical diagrams, and 3D diagrams.
• Must have proven experience in hands-on programming and configuration of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA).
• Must have proven experience with the following automation service activities including:
• Understand Piping/Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&).
• Read, troubleshoot, and repair hard-wired control systems using schematic and wiring diagrams.
• Capable of troubleshooting, online and offline programming and configuring PLC ladder logic and HMI/ SCADA database and screens.
• Capable of troubleshooting and configuring automation network systems.
• Knowledgeable of field instrumentation including transmitters, actuators and signal converters.
• Knowledgeable of IT/IS systems and equipment, NEC classifications and NEMA ratings.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work well with plant personnel

• As leaders we:
  Connect our teams to a clear strategy.
• As leaders we:
  Provide the support our teams need for success.
• As leaders we:
  Hold ourselves and our teams accountable.

• Solve problems together with our teams.
• Empower our teams to make decisions and take action.