What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer II position at Lavazza Group?
About The Group
From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 4,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company, which distribute and market our products and coffee machines. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea.
Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family and we are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team. We combine competitiveness with social and environmental responsibility as we create superior quality products available for consumption both at home and out of home, and distributed through all channels: Retail, Foodservice, Office Coffee Service (OCS), and Vending. Our strong, diversified presence enables us to offer consumers and clients perfectly suited solutions, for any occasion and time of day.
Job Overview
The Controls Engineer is a technical expert who ensures the smooth running of all of the factory’s automation control systems, networks and IT infrastructure. They ensure that the factory control & network systems, utilized in production, are functional, maintained and protected. In addition, they support the control elements in relation to all site capital projects, process improvements and maintenance troubleshooting.
Job Responsibilities
From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 4,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company, which distribute and market our products and coffee machines. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea.
Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family and we are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team. We combine competitiveness with social and environmental responsibility as we create superior quality products available for consumption both at home and out of home, and distributed through all channels: Retail, Foodservice, Office Coffee Service (OCS), and Vending. Our strong, diversified presence enables us to offer consumers and clients perfectly suited solutions, for any occasion and time of day.
Job Overview
The Controls Engineer is a technical expert who ensures the smooth running of all of the factory’s automation control systems, networks and IT infrastructure. They ensure that the factory control & network systems, utilized in production, are functional, maintained and protected. In addition, they support the control elements in relation to all site capital projects, process improvements and maintenance troubleshooting.
Job Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and safeguard factory controls, IT systems, and industrial networks.
- Define and implement long-term strategies for controls and IT systems, including technology upgrades, software standards, electrical standards, policies, and lifecycle management for maintenance and obsolescence.
- Design and propose operational solutions; lead and manage capital projects for new processes and equipment integration.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reliability.
- Provide advanced troubleshooting and structured problem-solving for complex control system issues.
- Establish and maintain control engineering best practices, site standards, and compliance with UL and safety regulations.
- Maintain and update control schematics, drawings, and technical documentation.
- Ensure health and safety of personnel and proper care of equipment, property, and product under control.
- Train and mentor engineers, maintenance personnel, and other associates on troubleshooting controls and IT systems.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve operational objectives and project goals.
- Stay current with industry trends through education, professional networks, professional publications, personal networks, certifications, and participation in technical organizations.
- Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Controls or Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience 7 years of experience as a Controls Engineer working in a manufacturing environment
- Expertise in automated machinery control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, servos, VFDs, and related IT systems, supported by a strong technical, engineering, and manufacturing foundation.
- Hands-on experience with HMI software platforms such as Aveva Wonderware and FactoryTalk—maintaining, managing, and implementing improvements.
- Proficiency in PLC programming and optimization for maximum equipment performance and safety, with working knowledge of Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Schneider Electric systems.
- Industrial networking skills, including configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet, and VLANs.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics and apply design techniques for circuit tracing and diagnostics.
- Skilled in troubleshooting electromechanical control systems, including single-phase and three-phase power feeds and control wiring terminations.
- Familiarity with safety systems, motion control, and robotic integration (preferred).
- Strong capability to diagnose and resolve complex electrical and PLC control issues on production equipment using structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Proven ability to plan and execute controls-related projects, including system upgrades and integration of new equipment.
- Experience managing capital projects using standard project management methodologies.
- Knowledge of Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement methodologies (preferred).
- Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks / AutoCAD) (preferred).
- Food or Beverage industry experience, with familiarity in QMP, GMPs, and HACCP standards (preferred).
- Competitive Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits
- 401K Package
- Employee Assistance Program
- Onsite Cafeteria and Gym (West Chester location)
- Hybrid Work Schedule
- Ability to be barista certified
- Monthly Lunches provided by Lavazza
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Performance Development Plans
- Employee Discounts
- Flexible business casual dress code - jean friendly!
- Free coffee, anytime!