Controls Engineering Co-Op

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.

 

Purpose Statement

Our Smart Factory team is currently looking for a Controls Engineering Co-op starting in May 2025 to February 2026. In this role, you are responsible for effectively supporting Rich’s Smart Factory Team in their comprehensive integration of technical solutions and related services to support the development of platform-level Industry 4.0 (Smart Factory) solutions. You will support ongoing work on projects such as controls systems platforms, industrial networks design, and the individual products and solutions which comprise these systems. You will be responsible for developing, documenting, and maintaining line and machine control system standards for all Rich’s manufacturing plants which includes control cabinet layouts, control equipment networking, type of control systems and devices, firmware/hardware, etc. 
This role is based at our Global HQ in Buffalo, NY

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

•    Support the Smart Factory Team in their development and implementation of Smart Factory technology strategies.
•    Interface with Rich’s automation partners to help develop and maintain controls engineering standards.
•    Develop technical documentation as required (PLC IO lists, validation project plans, standard operating procedures, qualification summary reports, system audits, technical reports, layouts, etc.).
•    Develop and maintain plant connectivity and networking documentation for each plant.
•    Support Rich’s Manufacturing LineIQ dashboard deployment strategies – LineIQ is a manufacturing performance optimization system which provides an enhanced understanding of manufacturing performance and enables faster, more informed decision-making by offering a comprehensive view of performance data across multiple lines and workstations.
•    Support ongoing plant connectivity activities which include interfacing with plant teams and automation partners to build out baseline documentation for existing automation equipment. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Required:

•    Pursuing a BS degree in engineering, preferably in Electrical, Computer or Automation fields.
•    Basic knowledge of continuous improvement projects (Lean, Six Sigma).
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
•    Knowledge of different OT network architectures. 
•    Agility - Able to arrive at sound technical solutions for immediate corrective actions or support.
•    Growth mindset - Strong desire to learn along with professional drive.
•    Self-driven - Ability to work autonomously while working collaboratively in a team environment.
•    Demonstrated ability in quantitative / analytical skills.
•    Great multi-tasker and must be comfortable and confident working in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously with a sense of urgency.

Preferred:

•    Knowledge in troubleshooting and programing PLC and HMIs.
•    TPM knowledge.
•    Knowledge of digital design tools (CAD, etc.)

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COMPENSATION

In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.

 

Annual Range/Hourly Rate

$24.00 - $32.00

 

 

 

Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or any other legally recognized protec