Controls Engineer

Description

Company Overview

Livestock Nutrition Center specializes in blending customized rations, supplements and premixes to meet the specific nutritional needs of Livestock Producer's operations. We understand that management, performance objectives and feeding practices can be vastly different between operations, and that these differences dictate specific nutritional or formulation requirements. Our experienced sales staff and nutritionist will work with the Producer to design a feeding program that is specific to their operation.

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to add value to the suppliers and end users in the feed ingredient supply chain through distribution, processing and service.

Guiding Principle

Our focus is to provide customized feeding programs, nutritional products, and expert service to livestock producers that promote their long-term success and profitability.

Qualifications

Position Summary

Livestock Nutrition Center is seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer to support automation, process control, and operational excellence across its 15 feed manufacturing facilities. This role combines engineering expertise in robotics, control systems, and process optimization to ensure efficient, safe, and scalable operations.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Program and maintain industrial robots for feed handling, packaging, and palletizing.
• Integrate robotic systems with PLCs, HMIs, and plant-wide control networks.
• Design and implement weight-based batching and dispensing systems for livestock feed.
• Develop and maintain PLC/HMI programs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) for feed mill equipment.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and IT teams to integrate new equipment and upgrade legacy systems.
• Analyze system performance and implement improvements to increase throughput and reduce downtime.
• Configure and maintain data acquisition systems for production metrics, traceability, and compliance.
• Support real-time monitoring and reporting tools for plant operations.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations teams across all locations.
• Develop SOPs and documentation for control systems and automation processes.
• Lead or support capital projects involving automation upgrades or new system installations.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for equipment procurement and commissioning.
• Develop operational processes and procedures for product manufacturing.
• Evaluate and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including training for production and processing personnel.
• Assist in developing and training personnel on Preventative Maintenance programs for production and delivery equipment.
• Develop management practices to ensure execution of QA/QC programs, including FSMA compliance.
• Assist in scaling the grinding of hay and production of LNC pelleted products.
• Ensure proper mixing of all products and conduct assay testing to verify quality.
• Adjust SOPs as needed to ensure proper production of LNC products.
• Develop SOPs and processes for raw material inventories to ensure accurate measurements, control shrink, and maintain product quality.
• Set and achieve production goals for efficiency.
• Educate, implement, and enforce all LNC Safety and Compliance procedures and programs.
• Ensure facility appearance and personnel professionalism reflect LNC standards.
• Maintain and evaluate production data to improve LNC pelleted products.
• Lead continuous improvement projects across LNC facilities.
• Any other tasks as assigned from time to time by management.
  
  

Qualifications And Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in industrial automation, preferably in feed, food, or general manufacturing.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial networking.
• Experience with robotic systems (e.g., FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa) is highly desirable.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently across multiple sites.
• Willingness to travel to company locations as needed.
• Basic understanding of GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) in feed manufacturing
• Strong sense of customer service with both internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to multitask and adapt to a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to lead teams by example
• Safety-oriented mindset and commitment to compliance
• Dedication to a collaborative, team-based work environment
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience in feed mill operations, agricultural processing, or bulk material handling
• General manufacturing experience, including process optimization, equipment integration, and safety systems
• Familiarity with weight-based batching systems and load cell integration
• Knowledge of safety systems, NFPA standards, and electrical codes
• Experience with SCADA systems, MES platforms, and industrial IoT technologies
  
  

Benefits And Perks

• All full-time employees eligible for a competitive benefits package.