Automation Engineer

Lead Automation. Drive Reliability. Make an Impact.

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to serve as the technical authority for electrical engineering, controls, and automation across plant operations. This role is ideal for an experienced controls‑focused engineer who enjoys hands‑on problem solving, plant partnership, and leading automation initiatives that directly impact safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Located in Searcy, Arkansas, this position offers the opportunity to work in a growing manufacturing community with a strong industrial base, a lower cost of living, and easy access to Little Rock and Central Arkansas.

How YOU Will Contribute

As the Automation Engineer, you will provide leadership and oversight for plant‑level electrical and controls activities, with a strong emphasis on packaging automation and continuous improvement:

• Serve as the technical owner for electrical systems, controls, and automation at the plant level
• Provide electrical and controls support for packaging automation, including high‑speed packaging equipment
• Support and partner with plant maintenance teams on troubleshooting, reliability improvements, and skills development
• Lead and support capital and controls‑related projects, from concept through installation and startup
• Perform and support PLC and HMI programming, modifications, and optimization
• Standardize electrical, controls, and automation practices to improve safety and performance
• Assist with preventive maintenance strategies, problem analysis, and root‑cause investigations
• Work cross‑functionally with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and external vendors
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes, safety standards, and best practices
• Support documentation, system upgrades, and technical training for plant personnel

About YOU

This role is suited to candidates with a strong controls and electrical foundation and real‑world plant experience.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 - 5 years of electrical controls experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience supporting packaging automation and production equipment.
• Experience providing electrical and controls support directly to maintenance teams.
• PLC and HMI programming experience (programming, troubleshooting, modifications).
• Experience supporting or leading engineering and automation projects.
• Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Technology, Automation, or a related field preferred.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a local electrician license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing or regulated environments
• Background as a Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Industrial Electrician (PLC‑focused), or Senior Electrical Technician
• Experience with capital project execution and contractor coordination
• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence without direct authority

Why This Role

• Corporate‑level influence with hands‑on plant impact
• Opportunity to lead automation and controls strategy while staying technically engaged
• Stable manufacturing environment with meaningful projects and visibility
• Collaborative culture that values engineering expertise and practical solutions
• Located in Searcy, AR – a growing manufacturing hub with strong community roots

About Searcy, Arkansas

Searcy offers a welcoming community, affordable housing, and excellent quality of life while remaining close to Central Arkansas metros. It’s an ideal location for professionals seeking meaningful work without big‑city congestion.