Principal Controls Engineer

Your Opportunity as Principal Controls Engineer – TSO

The Principal Controls Engineer will lead and support complex automation, controls, and technology initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites. Responsibilities include managing projects from concept through execution, establishing and maintaining engineering standards, engaging with vendors to drive innovation, and providing corporate technical support. This role requires close collaboration with plant leadership, engineering teams, and operations to ensure successful implementation and alignment with business objectives.

Location : You can pick to work at any of these locations : Orrville, OH, Arkadelphia, AR, Buffalo, NY, Columbus, GA, Decatur, AL, Emporia, KS, Lexington, KY, Longmont, CO, McCalla, AL, Memphis, TN, New Orleans, LA, Scottsville, KY, or Topeka, KS

Work Arrangements :

Approximately 30% Travel to other sites

100% on-site at the plants. AM Shift (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm) – Flexibility required. Willingness to flow to the work as needed

In this Role You Will :

Projects :  Support, lead, or manage larger automation, controls, and technology projects at manufacturing sites, including possible installation oversight. Collaborate with engineering and operations leaders from feasibility through startup and CQV (commissioning / qualification / verification).

Standards and Best Practices :  Apply, maintain, and develop engineering standards to ensure consistency and compliance with NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, NEC, OSHA 1910. Communicate standards, guidance, and recommendations to engineering and controls personnel at the sites.

Vendor Engagement :  Work closely with vendors to establish accurate quotations and resolving issues when needed. Leverage our internal resources to ensure terms and conditions are acceptable. Proactively engage with outside companies to explore new technologies.

Corporate Support :  Provide C&IS support to operations, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Support MES and IS Operations when priorities align.

Automation Landscape :  Understand current automation and technology state and drive targeted improvements, reapplications, and emerging technologies as part of the greater Operations Technology Team.

Expert in Key Technologies :  Serve as the subject matter expert for key technologies, providing guidance and support to the engineering and operations teams.

The Right Role for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our , and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

What We are Looking For :

Minimum Requirements :

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or 20+ years of equivalent plant experience

8+ years in controls / automation

5+ years in manufacturing

2+ years of managing others

Strong knowledge of control hardware / software (Allen Bradley PLC and Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms)

Familiarity with NFPA and OSHA guidelines as they apply to electrical, controls, and automation

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role :

Knowledge with plant systems software (Proficy, Project Management, eAM, etc.)

Mechanical / electrical experience in food manufacturing

Ability to collaborate across departments and sites

Remote management capability

Strong judgement and adaptability

Work Environment : This job operates in a manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment and manufacturing sites can be high.

Physical Demands :

Regularly required to talk and hear.

Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Able to lift objects up to 50 pounds frequently.

May push and pull heavy objects.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Learn More About Working at Smucker

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