Automation and Controls Engineer

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together. 

• →Serve as the plant's subject matter expert for automation, controls, and electrical systems, providing technical leadership and support across manufacturing operations.
• →Lead the planning, execution, and implementation of automation and controls projects that improve operational efficiency, reliability, productivity, and product quality.
• →Develop and execute short and long-term strategies for controls systems, industrial networks, and plant floor automation technologies.
• →Establish and maintain automation standards, including PLC programming, HMI design, SCADA integration, and control system architecture.
• →Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to optimize manufacturing processes through automation and technology solutions.
• →Provide advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for production equipment, controls hardware, instrumentation, robotics, networking infrastructure, and power distribution systems.
• →Support the maintenance, reliability, and lifecycle management of production equipment and automation systems.
• →Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Safety, and Sanitation teams to improve equipment performance and plant reliability.
• →Mentor and develop Controls Technicians and maintenance personnel by providing technical training, coaching, and leadership support.
• →Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety standards, food safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• →Participate in capital projects, equipment installations, startups, commissioning activities, and system upgrades.
• →Maintain accurate technical documentation, electrical schematics, network diagrams, and control system records.

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering required, preferably Electrical Engineering. Other engineering disciplines such as Mechanical or Chemical Engineering may be considered.
• Degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program strongly preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Automation, Controls, or Electrical Engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting industrial control systems, automation technologies, and electrical systems.
• Food manufacturing, beverage manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting plant operations in a fast-paced industrial manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading automation projects from concept through implementation and startup.