Ilocatum
Lead Engineer, Controls
Location :
Buffalo, NY
MUST HAVES
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred)
Minimum of 5 years of relevant controls experience
Strong expertise in machine and / or process control hardware, instrumentation, and software (Allen Bradley PLCs and Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms required)
Working knowledge of NFPA and OSHA guidelines for electrical equipment and practices
Proven leadership experience managing or mentoring technicians in a manufacturing environment
Experience supporting and leading equipment installation / start-up projects
Proficiency with plant historian systems and technical documentation
POSITION SUMMARY The Lead Engineer, Controls will serve as the plant’s key leader for power and control systems, driving system optimization, compliance, safety, and technician development. This role is responsible for equipment specification, maintenance, troubleshooting, and process reliability to ensure operational excellence across the facility.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as the primary administrator and troubleshooter for plant power and control systems and a key member of the technical leadership team.
Partner with the Engineering Projects Manager to establish and maintain power and control standards across all upgrades and new installations.
Lead execution of the site’s master plan for control systems, ensuring timely replacement of obsolete equipment and technologies.
Build and sustain an effective Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) technician development program, including coaching and performance management.
Direct daily activities of E&I technicians while ensuring full compliance with NFPA 70, 70E, 79, and OSHA 1910 standards.
Validate MES data from PLCs and collaborate with Process Engineers on data conditioning and application development.
Support the design and implementation of control and automation systems, including HMI design, MES applications, and KPI tracking.
Identify operational losses and partner with engineering and operations to eliminate them in the areas of safety, quality, reliability, and cost.
Serve as the subject matter expert for systems tied to electrical safety and quality compliance (., LOTO, PPE, energized work permits, checkweighers, metal detectors, and vision systems).
Collaborate with engineering and operations leaders on equipment selection, installation, and start-up; train others on control systems operation and maintenance.
Provide technical support for capital projects and ongoing plant improvements.
Apply simulation and process modeling technologies to enhance efficiency and performance across production and packaging operations.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Manufacturing experience (food industry preferred)
Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills
Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Willingness to work off-shifts, weekends, or provide support calls as needed
Ability to perform moderate physical activity on the plant floor and equipment
Some travel required
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Buffalo, NY
MUST HAVES
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred)
Minimum of 5 years of relevant controls experience
Strong expertise in machine and / or process control hardware, instrumentation, and software (Allen Bradley PLCs and Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms required)
Working knowledge of NFPA and OSHA guidelines for electrical equipment and practices
Proven leadership experience managing or mentoring technicians in a manufacturing environment
Experience supporting and leading equipment installation / start-up projects
Proficiency with plant historian systems and technical documentation
POSITION SUMMARY The Lead Engineer, Controls will serve as the plant’s key leader for power and control systems, driving system optimization, compliance, safety, and technician development. This role is responsible for equipment specification, maintenance, troubleshooting, and process reliability to ensure operational excellence across the facility.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as the primary administrator and troubleshooter for plant power and control systems and a key member of the technical leadership team.
Partner with the Engineering Projects Manager to establish and maintain power and control standards across all upgrades and new installations.
Lead execution of the site’s master plan for control systems, ensuring timely replacement of obsolete equipment and technologies.
Build and sustain an effective Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) technician development program, including coaching and performance management.
Direct daily activities of E&I technicians while ensuring full compliance with NFPA 70, 70E, 79, and OSHA 1910 standards.
Validate MES data from PLCs and collaborate with Process Engineers on data conditioning and application development.
Support the design and implementation of control and automation systems, including HMI design, MES applications, and KPI tracking.
Identify operational losses and partner with engineering and operations to eliminate them in the areas of safety, quality, reliability, and cost.
Serve as the subject matter expert for systems tied to electrical safety and quality compliance (., LOTO, PPE, energized work permits, checkweighers, metal detectors, and vision systems).
Collaborate with engineering and operations leaders on equipment selection, installation, and start-up; train others on control systems operation and maintenance.
Provide technical support for capital projects and ongoing plant improvements.
Apply simulation and process modeling technologies to enhance efficiency and performance across production and packaging operations.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Manufacturing experience (food industry preferred)
Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills
Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Willingness to work off-shifts, weekends, or provide support calls as needed
Ability to perform moderate physical activity on the plant floor and equipment
Some travel required
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