Sr. Manufacturing Automation Engineer

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together. 

We are hiring a Sr. Automation Engineer to work remotely anywhere in the United States. In this role you will leverage prior experience on multiple large-scale initiatives to execute highly complex capital projects within our plants (and specifically in our upcoming Sioux Falls, SD facility) to upgrade our current manual production lines into wholly automated platforms. These projects are entirely specific to automation upgrades, but the projects themselves are already set for you to execute. 

What You Will Do:

• Lead Electrical Controls Projects: Provide engineering leadership for corporate and plant capital projects, ensuring successful design and execution of electrical control systems.

• Strategic Development: Create and implement long-term strategies for controls, network architecture, and plant floor systems to boost efficiency and innovation.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with project teams and business functions (IT, EHS, Supply Chain, etc.) to apply advanced technologies and drive business improvements.

• Mentorship and Team Development: Guide and develop plant engineers and automation teams, focusing on technical skills, leadership, and change management.

• Capital Planning & Execution: Lead the development of long-range capital plans, manage obsolescence, and ensure project alignment with budget and performance expectations.

• Technology Advancement: Stay current with industry trends, recommend and implement new technologies to enhance equipment performance, quality, and safety.

What We Look For: 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Chemical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering (ABET accredited program preferred).
• 7 years' experience in Manufacturing. 5 years of engineering experience with a focus on electrical and control systems.  Previous experience with manufacturing food and beverage or consumer packaged goods companies is required.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the primary codes and safety requirements applicable to controls safety systems, robotics (FANUC, ABB, or similar), and power distribution equipment and systems. 
• Ability to troubleshoot PLCs (Allen Bradley preferred) at the code level and troubleshoot equipment and wiring. Proficient in SCADA development and programming (Ignition) is preferred.
• Must have strong knowledge of processing, packaging & facility systems along with thorough understanding of food manufacturing, engineering, quality, sanitary design and research functions.
• Ability to travel ~30%, typically from your home to Sioux Falls, SD, or to our other facilities or corporate offices. 

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $90,750 to $151,250 annually with eligibility for a 10% annual incentive bonus that is based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email career.search@schwans.com.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology required (Electrical preferred, Chemical, Mechanical). ABET accredited program is strong preference.

Experience: 7 years experience in Manufacturing. 5 years of engineering experience with a focus on electrical andcontrol systems. Previous experience with manufacturing food and beverage or consumer packaged goods companies isrequired. Previous experience in plant operations and industrial environments is required. Previous experiences withbudgeting in a multi-site manufacturing capacity. Experience in project engineering including scope definition, costestimation and tracking.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Demonstrates project management leadership, problem-solving,decision making, troubleshooting, communications, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work with a team and influencediverse groups at various levels and across functions. Strong understanding of the fundamentals of electricalautomation and control systems. Strong knowledge and understanding of the primary codes and safety requirementsapplicable to controls safety systems, robotics, and power distribution equipment and systems. Knowledge of LeanSix-Sigma concepts and ability to use a CAD System is preferred. Strong ability to utilize application, programming,and integration experience through a variety of hardware/software platforms. Ability to troubleshoot PLC#s at thecode level and troubleshoot equipment and wiring. Understanding of low and medium voltage power distribution andassociated equipment is preferred. Must have strong knowledge of processing, packaging & facility systems along withthorough understanding of food manufacturing, engineering, quality, sanitary design and research functions.Demonstrates compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA, City and/or State agencies, etc. for both manufacturing processesand building requirements.Travel: Ability to travel up to 50% as required (dependent on location).

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the job. An individual must be able to perform all ofthe duties and responsibilities listed in a fully competent manner to be considered successful in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individualswith disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.

Salary : $90,750 - $151,250