SunOpta · 2 days ago
Controls Engineer
Modesto, CA
Contract
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expSunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers. The Controls Engineer is responsible for manufacturing automation and controls systems design, programming, and operational oversight to improve efficiency and compliance in plant automation.
BiotechnologyFood and BeverageFood ProcessingManufacturingPlant-Based FoodsWeb Design
Responsibilities
Develop and implement standard electrical and automation engineering practices
Manage automation improvement projects
PLC logic programming
Design, configure, integrate, and implement process control solutions for various manufacturing specifications
Develop control system validation/testing protocols
Familiar with TCP/IP, Modbus, and Devicenet communication protocols
Experience with controls and calibration utilizing best practices per relevant IEEE and IEC standards
Practical experience integrating transducers of types such as pressure, temperature, conductivity, PH, and flow with automated systems
Experience with developing and modifying Add on instructions for PLC logic
Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) tuning and applications
Responsible for 3rd party calibration of transducers per company guidelines on frequency
Provides reliability engineering expertise that supports our maintenance and reliability efforts and assures asset life at or beyond the standards
Integrating VFD’s with PLCs in automated processes, to include acceleration deceleration tuning, and HMI screens for operator interface
Responsible for Factory Acceptance Testing, and Provisional Acceptance Testing approval for newly installed 3rd party equipment to ensure fulfillment of contract specifications, provide integration support with existing equipment, as necessary
Collaborates with cross-functional groups including Production, Human Resources, Quality, Supply Chain, Warehouse, and Finance to meet production targets
Develops, recommends, and implements measures to improve machines and plant equipment to maximize efficiency
Lead, coach, and manage the performance of the maintenance Instrument Control Technician team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Train operators, managers, and IC Technicians on control systems
Oversees installation, modifications, quality control testing, operating procedure, and inspection processes adhering to engineering principles and safety regulations
Serves as a safety model, promoting a high level of safety awareness and continuous improvement in safety practices
Ensures effective employee relations. Provides employee coaching and development. Resolves employee issues through problem resolution
Responsible for Food safety and quality of food. Demonstrates a commitment to Quality
Facilitates coordination between maintenance and operations in solving process issues
Adheres to company GMP’s (good manufacturing practices), safety procedures and all other quality processes
Continuously improve process control systems through Advanced Process Control, Alarm Management, and Operator Interface Optimization
Design, write programs, implement, test and document PLC and HMI or SCADA software of any of the following software packages: Rockwell, Factory Talk
Create, edit, and document batch systems recipes
Serve as a resource and a technical expert for the plant in all disciplines of automation controls for line, utility support, and process equipment
Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required
All other duties, as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Associate degree in Industrial Controls, Electronics, Engineering, Technology or related disciplines or training on Allen Bradley machine controls (PLC's/VFD's)
Certification or training on Plant Electrical Systems
5-7 years of applied industrial controls experience using Allen Bradley control platforms (SLC500, ControlLogix, MicroLogix, PanelView Plus, RS Logix, RS View), Motor Control experience with Servo and VFD devices
Aseptic and/or high-speed beverage maintenance experience
Successful commissioning and startup automation experience
Preferred
Certified Professional Engineer
5+ years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified required
Knowledge of and familiarity with the National Electric Code (NEC) and international standards
Proficiency designing and programming control systems with emphasis on PLCs, SCADA, or HMI systems
Ability to troubleshoot control systems from the field element up through operator interfaces and databases
Proficiency with control system networking technologies and PC networking technologies
Proficiency working with SQL Server, Oracle, or other relational databases
Familiarity with dairy productions processes, Clean In Place (CIP)
TMP or LEAN manufacturing experience
Familiarity with instrumentation (flow meters, level transmitters, RTDs/temperature transmitters, level probes, etc.)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Specific knowledge of GMP's and batch process control in the food science industry with validation experience
Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities
Company
SunOpta
SunOpta specializes in the design, construction, ownership, and operation of biomass conversion equipment and facilities. It is a sub-organization of SunOpta.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
SunOpta has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2023 (2)
2022 (1)
2020 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$393.45MKey Investors
Oaktree Capital Management
2023-12-13Post Ipo Debt· $196.15M
2023-03-17Post Ipo Equity· $52.31M
2022-10-13Acquired
Leadership Team
Scott Huckins
Chief Financial Officer
Chad Hagen
Chief Customer Officer
Recent News
Benzinga.com
2025-11-28
2025-11-16
Company data provided by crunchbase