Automation & Controls Engineer - Food & Beverage

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAutomation & Controls Engineer – Food & Beverage
Locations: Kansas City, MO | St. Louis, MO | Atlanta, GA Travel: Up to 25%
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent health and wellness benefits, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
Position SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Automation & Controls Engineer to join a growing team focused on delivering innovative solutions to clients in the Food & Beverage industry. This role involves designing, programming, and implementing automation systems that improve production efficiency, safety, and reliability.You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams including process engineers, project managers, and client stakeholders to deliver high-quality automation solutions from concept through commissioning.
Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation control systems for food and beverage processing facilities
• Program PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems (Rockwell, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.)
• Develop control system architecture, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams
• Collaborate with process and mechanical engineers to integrate automation with plant systems
• Support system commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting at client sites
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications
• Prepare technical documentation including functional specifications, IO lists, and test plans
• Provide technical support and mentorship to junior engineers as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in automation and controls engineering, preferably in the food & beverage sector
• Proficiency with PLC/HMI programming (Rockwell Automation )
• Experience with industrial networking, instrumentation, and control panel design
• Strong understanding of process control systems and manufacturing operations
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to travel up to 25% for site visits and commissioning

Qualifications

• Experience with batch processing, CIP systems, or packaging automation
• Familiarity with ISA standards and food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA)
• Knowledge of MES integration or data historian systems
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or working toward licensure

Why Join Us?

• Work on high-impact projects with leading food and beverage manufacturers
• Be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking engineering team
• Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies
• Opportunities for career growth and leadership development
• Supportive culture that values innovation, integrity, and excellence