PLC Automation Lead

Job Overview

• Lead the design, programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting of PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
• Maintain and optimize automation for production lines, packaging, material handling, and utility systems.
• Develop and manage PLC standards, documentation, and version control.
• Support equipment upgrades, retrofits, and new system integrations.
• Ensure system reliability, redundancy, and cybersecurity best practices.

• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for electrical, controls, and automation issues.
• Partner with maintenance teams to reduce downtime and improve equipment performance.
• Develop preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for automation systems.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action implementation.

• Serve as technical lead and mentor for maintenance technicians and automation staff.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Quality, Safety, and Production teams.
• Support training initiatives to raise automation and controls competency across the plant.
• Act as the primary automation contact for vendors, integrators, and contractors.

• Ensure automation systems comply with food safety, GMP, OSHA, and electrical codes.
• Support validation and documentation for regulated manufacturing environments.
• Promote safe work practices and lockout/tagout compliance.
• Align automation improvements with sustainability and cooperative values.

• Identify opportunities for automation efficiency, energy reduction, and waste minimization.
• Support capital projects and long-term automation roadmap development.
• Stay current on emerging automation technologies and best practices.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of industrial automation and PLC experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming, troubleshooting, and HMI development.
• Solid understanding of industrial networks, VFDs, sensors, and control panels.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and mentor others.

• Experience in food, beverage, nutraceutical, or regulated manufacturing.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix / Studio 5000.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and data integration.
• CMMS experience and reliability-centered maintenance exposure.