Tyson Foods

Sr Engineer Controls-1st Shift- Waverly Plant

Tyson Foods • $95K — $115K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering required.
  • 7+ years of experience in automation, controls, or industrial engineering in manufacturing.
  • Proven leadership in project management and mentoring within engineering or maintenance teams.
  • Expertise in PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking.
  • Strong background in electrical systems and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams.
  • Design and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial automation systems.
  • Oversee control system architecture and best practices across facilities.
  • Identify and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reliability.
  • Manage automation and engineering projects from concept to startup.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance available.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Supportive culture fostering innovation and continuous learning.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge automation and technology projects.
Full Job Description
Job Details:

Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Leader

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Leader to provide technical and operational leadership across our Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams. This role is responsible for driving automation strategy, improving plant reliability, leading capital and process improvement initiatives, and developing the next generation of technical talent within the organization.

This role requires a strong balance of leadership, engineering expertise, project management, and continuous improvement experience.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development
  • Provide direct leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to the Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams.
  • Develop team capabilities through coaching, training, succession planning, and hands-on support.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
  • Serve as a technical resource and mentor for engineers, technicians, and plant personnel.
  • Lead by example through active involvement in troubleshooting, project execution, and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Support recruiting, onboarding, and development of future technical talent.

Automation & Controls Engineering
  • Lead the design, implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial automation systems.
  • Oversee control system architecture, standardization, and best practice development across facilities.
  • Support and troubleshoot industrial control platforms including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Automation Direct, and other automation systems.
  • Ensure reliable integration of instrumentation, sensors, drives, motion control systems, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment.
  • Lead control system upgrades, modernization initiatives, and automation expansion projects.
  • Drive implementation and optimization of Ignition SCADA, SQL databases, industrial networking, and data collection platforms.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.

Continuous Improvement & Reliability
  • Identify and lead process improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, throughput, quality, and operational reliability.
  • Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies to eliminate waste and improve performance.
  • Analyze production and equipment performance data to identify opportunities for optimization.
  • Drive reliability-centered maintenance initiatives and long-term corrective actions.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to automation, reliability, and process improvements.

Project Management
  • Lead automation, controls, and engineering projects from concept through implementation and startup.
  • Coordinate activities with operations, maintenance, production, vendors, contractors, and engineering resources.
  • Assist with capital planning, budgeting, equipment selection, and project justification.
  • Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.
  • Support installation, commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment and processes.

Required Qualifications

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required.
  • Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.

Experience
  • Minimum of 7+ years of automation, controls, or industrial engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Prior experience leading projects, mentoring employees, or providing technical leadership within engineering or maintenance organizations.
  • Demonstrated expertise with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and process automation.
  • Strong understanding of electrical systems, instrumentation, controls integration, and industrial automation technologies.
  • Experience with root cause analysis, reliability improvement, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Ignition SCADA, SQL databases, Python scripting, and industrial data systems.
  • Experience with VFDs, motion controls, robotics, machine vision, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, EtherCAT, and related industrial networks.
  • Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks, or similar design software.
  • Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PMP, or other continuous improvement certifications preferred.
  • Experience implementing digital transformation, Industry 4.0, AI vision, machine learning, or predictive maintenance technologies is a plus.

Key Competencies
  • Technical Leadership
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Employee Development & Coaching
  • Project Management
  • Automation & Controls Expertise
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
  • Communication & Collaboration
  • Change Management
  • Operational Excellence

Working Conditions
  • Must be comfortable working in manufacturing environments with varying temperatures, humidity levels, noise levels, and production conditions.
  • Periodic travel between facilities may be required.
  • Ability to work around industrial equipment, electrical systems, elevated work platforms, and production machinery.
  • Must be able to safely operate or work around forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and ladders as required.
All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.

Relocation Assistance Eligible:
Yes

Work Shift:
1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods scientifically formulated feed, and technical assistance on subjects like sustainable farming practices and animal welfare. They serve hash browns stuffed with ham and cheese, sausage simple scrambles, bacon simple scrambles, formed pork sausage patties, sausage and egg pancake sandwich with maple syrup, wrapped whole grain apple cinnamon pancake, and more.

Tyson Foods Careers

Joining Tyson Foods means becoming part of one of the world’s leading food companies, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality. At Tyson Foods, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that empower you to grow both personally and professionally. Work You’ll Do At Tyson Foods, you’ll contribute to a team that values leadership, diversity, and innovation. Our commitment to these principles makes us a top choice for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the food industry. Whether you’re involved in operations, marketing, research, or any of our other departments, your work will help us continue to feed the world in the most efficient and sustainable ways possible. Join our dynamic team and help us transform the industry through cutting-edge innovation and a commitment to excellence that’s second to none. Career Growth and Development Tyson Foods is dedicated to the professional growth of our employees. We offer a variety of leadership and diversity training programs designed to enhance your skills and advance your career. With Tyson, your career trajectory is limitless, supported by development opportunities that ensure you’re always moving forward. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Tyson Foods internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience, offering a glimpse into the culture and operations of a global leader. Interns at Tyson Foods work on real projects, learn from industry leaders, and gain the skills necessary for a successful career in the food industry. Benefits of Working at Tyson Foods Choose a career with Tyson Foods and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life, and dental insurance, employee assistance programs, and more. We believe in nurturing our team not only professionally but also personally. Inclusive Culture At Tyson Foods, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive culture where every team member feels valued. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and we strive to create a workplace where all employees can thrive. Join Our Team Explore the job opportunities at Tyson Foods today. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for new team members who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest at Tyson Foods by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives and industry-leading insights that can help you in your job search and beyond. Networking and Professional Opportunities At Tyson Foods, networking and professional development are part of our DNA. Connect with leaders and peers within the company through various networking events and platforms. Enhance your resume, prepare for your next interview, and build relationships that could shape the future of your career. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Tyson Foods. Join Tyson Foods and be part of a company that’s leading the way in the food industry through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and sustainability. Your future starts here!
Learn more about Tyson Foods
Size
137,000 employees
Market Cap
$22 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.9 billion
Founded
1935
5 Year Trend
+6.8%
Revenue
$42.8 billion
NASDAQ

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