Senior Manager, Controls Engineering (Capital Projects)

Within our Corporate Engineering team located in Denver – Leprino is seeking a Senior Manager, Controls Engineering (Capital Projects) to spearhead our cutting-edge control system installations for our processing lines. This pivotal role focuses on leading our dynamic team of Controls Engineers and Controls Integrators through the successful integration of advanced controls engineering projects across our manufacturing network. As we continue to expand and innovate within the dairy industry, your expertise in project management and controls engineering will play a crucial role in maintaining our position as a global leader. Join us in our commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth, as we work to deliver high-quality products to families around the world.

At Leprino Foods, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $139,000 and $170,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 12%.

• Lead capital project initiatives in controls engineering across ten manufacturing facilities, focusing on new installations and system integrations within our cheese, nutrition, packaging, and other processing lines.
• Provide expertise in process control development company-wide, ensuring the adoption of best practices in advanced control systems.
• Design, implement, and optimize production processes through advanced PLC, HMI, and SCADA system integrations, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Program and modify PLCs and HMIs for improved process control and batching systems, ensuring systems meet production needs.
• Oversee troubleshooting and maintenance of control systems to guarantee their optimal functionality and reliability during the capital project phase.
• Ensure all projects comply with safety procedures, upholding a commitment to employee wellbeing and regulatory adherence.
• Supervise the manufacturing, building, and validation of systems that include pneumatics, servos, VFDs, relays, communication networks, HMI screens, pushbuttons, and robotic integration.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver strategic projects on time and within budget.
• Play a key role in recruiting, training, and onboarding new team members, enriching the team with skilled professionals.
• Cultivate a mentoring culture within the team, maintaining high-quality standards and fostering professional growth.
• Keep abreast of the latest control system technologies, architectures, and products to maintain a leading edge in controls engineering.
• Ensure presence onsite during critical phases of equipment installation and system start-ups, leading to the successful implementation and operational excellence of new projects.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial, Controls, or Computer Engineering (or very similar subject area).
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in controls engineering within a manufacturing environment, specifically from a capital project standpoint.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing controls engineering teams, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems design, programming, and integration.
• Proven track record of successful project management and implementation of control systems in manufacturing settings.
• Experience with various instrumentation such as Flow meters, Pressure sensors, Level sensors, Temperature probes, VFDs, and starters, and experience in industrial automation networks (ControlNet, DeviceNet, Ethernet)
• Strong project management skills for managing the entire control systems process, including project planning, resource allocation, budgeting, and scheduling.
• The ability to meet this role’s travel requirements of 60% annually.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• Master’s in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial, or Computer Engineering (or very similar subject area).
• Experience with advanced control strategies, including but not limited to, predictive and adaptive control systems.
• Proficiency in a wide range of PLC platforms, including but not limited to Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Schneider Electric.
• Strong background in implementing control systems for food processing or dairy manufacturing, showcasing an understanding of industry-specific challenges and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and drive efficiency improvements through automation and control system optimization.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, with experience working in cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.<