Automation Control Engineer | Richmond, VA | Food Manufacturing | 2nd Shift

⚙️ Automation Control Engineer

📍 Location: Richmond, Virginia (On-site, Second/Split Shift: 7 PM – 3 AM)
🏭 Industry: Food & Beverages / Manufacturing
🎓 Education: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Technology, or related field (preferred)
💼 Experience Level: Mid–Senior (5+ years)
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🚚 Relocation: Not available
💰 Compensation: $83,800 – $115,225 base salary + bonus eligibility + full benefits
🕓 Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent

🌟 The Opportunity

Join a global leader in food and snack manufacturing as an Automation Control Engineer — a critical role driving reliability, efficiency, and innovation within a fast-paced production environment.

You’ll take ownership of automation systems, PLCs, and instrumentation, ensuring seamless operations and minimal downtime. Working on the second shift, you’ll support high-speed packaging lines and advanced control systems while leading troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineer who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing setting and enjoys solving complex automation challenges.

🧭 Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Provide hands-on support for routine maintenance, repair, and calibration of automation equipment, PLCs, and control systems.

• Diagnose complex electrical, mechanical, and programming issues quickly to reduce downtime and boost productivity.

• Collaborate with electricians and cross-functional teams to maintain system reliability and performance.

System Optimization

• Analyze production data and identify opportunities to optimize automation and control strategies.

• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.

• Contribute to projects that modernize and standardize automation systems across production lines.

Programming & Configuration

• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems, primarily Allen-Bradley platforms.

• Configure and maintain VFDs, SCADA systems, and motor control systems.

• Ensure system integration aligns with company standards, cybersecurity policies, and operational requirements.

Preventive Maintenance & Documentation

• Execute preventive maintenance programs to prevent unplanned equipment failures.

• Maintain accurate documentation for all maintenance activities, modifications, and performance reports.

• Support audits and reporting with detailed technical insights and system data.

Leadership & Training

• Provide training and mentorship to operators, technicians, and electricians on control systems.

• Promote safety, knowledge sharing, and adherence to maintenance best practices.

🎓 Education & Experience

Required

✅ Minimum 5 years of experience in automation, controls, or electrical maintenance within manufacturing.
✅ Strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs (programming, troubleshooting, maintenance).
✅ Solid understanding of HMI, SCADA, VFDs, and industrial networks.
✅ Experience with high-speed packaging or food processing environments.
✅ Proven ability to analyze and solve complex control system problems.

Preferred

⭐ Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Technology, or related field.
⭐ Familiarity with SAP – PM, work orders, and asset management.
⭐ Experience using Putty and Cisco Network Switches.
⭐ Knowledge of basic electronics and electrical theory.
⭐ Strong communication skills and ability to train others effectively.

💡 Core Competencies

• Analytical problem-solver with a proactive mindset.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Effective communicator across technical and non-technical teams.

• Capable of leading initiatives with minimal supervision.

• Safety-focused and committed to continuous improvement.

⚙️ Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb steps, and work at heights using ladders or lifts.

• Work in environments with varying temperatures.

• Comfortable working second/split shift: 7 PM – 3 AM, Monday to Friday.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

💵 Base Salary: $83,800 – $115,225 (commensurate with experience)
🎯 Bonus: Performance-based incentive program
💎 Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Life and disability insurance

• Retirement savings plans

• Paid vacation, holidays, and leave programs

• Educational and wellness support initiatives

🧩 Candidate Snapshot

• Experience: 5+ years in automation and controls engineering

• Industry: Food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or high-speed manufacturing

• Key Skills: Allen-Bradley PLCs | SCADA | HMIs | VFDs | Troubleshooting | SAP PM

• Shift: 7 PM – 3 AM (on-site)

• Travel: None

🚀 Ready to power up innovation?
Join a world-class manufacturer that values technical excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Lead automation excellence on cutting-edge production lines that shape the future of snacking.

3rd Shift Maintenance Mechanic Jobs in Cincinnati, OH | Food Production Industry

Job Title: 3rd Shift Maintenance Mechanic

Location: Cincinnati, OH (On-site)
Industry: Food Production
Experience Level: Associate
Experience Required: 2–4 Years
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $51,000–$60,000
Relocation Assistance: Not available
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
Shift: 3rd Shift, 12-hour schedule (3/4), 10:00 PM–10:00 AM

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled and motivated 3rd Shift Maintenance Mechanic to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for performing preventative maintenance, equipment repairs, building maintenance, and supporting special projects to ensure efficient plant operations. This position requires strong mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic expertise in a fast-paced food production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform installation, maintenance, and repairs on machinery, equipment, and physical structures.

• Operate tools such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, and milling machines to repair or fabricate parts.

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with production and facility equipment to ensure optimal efficiency.

• Identify operational problems and implement effective solutions to improve productivity.

• Maintain a safe and clean maintenance work area.

• Document and track maintenance tasks using maintenance systems.

• Operate material handling equipment safely.

• Support predictive and preventative maintenance programs and participate in plant initiatives.

• Conduct safety observations and ensure compliance with SQF 2000 Systems standards.

• Uphold company food safety and quality principles.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

• 2–4 years of maintenance mechanic experience.

• Proficiency in welding, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical blueprints, electrical schematics, and parts specifications.

• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and self-motivation.

Physical Requirements:

• Regularly stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and push/pull.

• Frequently lift/move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds.

• Work in varying temperatures, noisy environments, and confined spaces.

• Ability to climb ladders, crawl, and perform tasks in awkward positions.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on Maintenance Mechanic to contribute to a dynamic and growing food production facility while enhancing their technical skills in a challenging environment.