Data Systems Engineer - SCADA

At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The SCADA Data Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and plant data infrastructure systems. This role ensures reliable collection, integrity, visualization, and reporting of operational data that supports manufacturing performance, automation, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The position collaborates closely with automation, IT/OT, operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to ensure secure, efficient, and compliant data system performance across all production environments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

SCADA System Design, Development & Support

• Design, configure, program, and maintain SCADA systems, dashboards, and real‑time visualization tools.
• Develop and modify HMI screens, alarm logic, historian tags, and data models.
• Ensure reliable connectivity between SCADA, PLCs, sensors, industrial networks, and enterprise systems.

Data Infrastructure & Historian Management

• Administer plant data historians, including tag configuration, storage architecture, and performance tuning.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for analysis, reporting, and operational decision-making.
• Develop and maintain automated reporting tools, KPIs, and production dashboards.

System Reliability, Troubleshooting & Cybersecurity

• Diagnose SCADA and data communication issues, performing root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Monitor system health, alarm performance, and data quality to maintain uptime and reliability.
• Collaborate with IT/OT teams to ensure cybersecurity compliance, patching, and secure network design.

Project Engineering & Integration

• Lead and support SCADA and data system projects, including system upgrades, new line integrations, and automation expansions.
• Oversee contractor work, participate in FAT/SAT, and ensure alignment with facility standards.
• Document system architectures, workflows, and user guides.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Leverage data analytics to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Support OEE, yield, downtime reduction, and predictive maintenance initiatives through improved data visibility.
• Implement new digital tools to enhance manufacturing intelligence and automation performance.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with operations, quality, maintenance, IT, and engineering teams to define data needs and implement SCADA solutions.
• Provide training and support for team members using SCADA and plant data tools.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) by enabling data collection and system readiness.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc.), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
• 3 + years of experience with SCADA systems, industrial data systems, or automation controls in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with major SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk View/SE).
• Experience with industrial networks, PLC data integration, and plant data historians.
• Strong understanding of SCADA architecture, industrial networks, and OT systems.
• Proficiency with database systems, historian configuration, and data modeling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Excellent communication and ability to partner across departments.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices in industrial environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 + years of experience with SCADA systems, industrial data systems, or automation controls in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, and automation documentation
• Experience with SQL, Python, or other scripting languages.
• Experience with cloud data solutions or IIoT platforms.
• Certifications in SCADA platforms, networking, cybersecurity, or automation.
• Background in food manufacturing or continuous process industries.

The salary range for this role is $100,000 – $120,000 (Annually).  Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is a participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.