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.

Senior R&D Engineer – Thermoformed Packaging | Franklin Park, IL | $140K–$165K + Full Relocation

Sr. R&D Engineer – Thermoformed Packaging

📍 Location: Franklin Park, IL, USA (Onsite)
💼 Employment Type: Full-time
💰 Base Salary: $140,000 – $165,000
🎁 Signing Bonus: Negotiable
🚚 Relocation Package: Full
🌍 Travel: Up to 40% (mostly domestic)
🛑 Visa Sponsorship: Not available

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to join our Thermoformed Packaging division. Reporting to the R&D Director, you will play a key role in developing, designing, and qualifying new thermoplastic materials and processes for consumer-based packaging applications. This position requires deep expertise in plastics extrusion, thermoforming, and material processing to drive innovation, sustainability, and manufacturing efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert in plastic materials processing for consumer packaging.

• Lead R&D projects from concept to commercialization, with a focus on sustainable packaging solutions.

• Provide recommendations on manufacturing equipment to support current and future business needs.

• Collaborate with internal cross-functional teams, OEMs, and suppliers to solve complex technical challenges.

• Drive growth initiatives by identifying new technologies and opportunities for improved productivity and capacity.

• Originate and champion new ideas aligned with the company’s innovation and technology strategy.

• Lead capital projects and technical integrations to enhance product performance.

• Promote a positive, safe, and collaborative work environment.

• Ensure compliance with safety policies and procedures.

Qualifications – Must Haves

• B.S./M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Polymer Science.

• 7+ years of experience in plastics manufacturing and processing (extrusion, thermoforming, tooling).

• Strong working knowledge of PET, PP, HIPS, and PE resins plus additives.

• Experience in coatings and lamination on rigid sheet is a plus.

• Proven results leading capital projects in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience collaborating with OEMs and suppliers.

• Strong problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and project leadership.

Preferred Traits:

• Background in consumer-based food packaging.

• Results-driven, self-starter with a positive attitude.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Effective written and verbal communicator.

• Inquisitive and innovative, with a passion for new technologies.

Interview Process

1. 30-min recruiter screen with Internal recruiter.

2. 1-hour video interview with hiring manager.

3. 1-hour panel interview with the team, potential onsite visit.

Company Culture & Perks

We design and manufacture sustainable packaging solutions that serve the food, retail, and medical sectors. From snacks and condiments to healthcare items and pet food, our packaging protects products while promoting a healthier planet.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plans

• Paid Time Off

• Equity Opportunities

• Work From Home Flexibility

• Additional Perks (e.g., relocation, growth opportunities)