Company Background
Alamance Foods Inc. is a leading supplier of whipped dairy products in the United States; we produce, pack and ship private labels based off customer specific needs. An innovative company with proven experience in creating exciting new products that redefine what is possible in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
Position Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, integration, and reliability of automated systems across our manufacturing operations. This role provides advanced technical support to plant and maintenance teams, drives capital project execution, and serves as the site’s subject-matter expert on PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS platforms. The ideal candidate combines strong controls and electrical engineering fundamentals with hands-on troubleshooting and a continuous-improvement mindset.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Controls Design & Automation
- Design and program automated systems including the use of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
- Lead hardware and software integration on automated equipment used in manufacturing environments.
- Consult with suppliers relating to sourcing, specifying, and operating instrumentation and control equipment.
Technical Support & Reliability
- Provide technical support to maintain the facility and help optimize production process equipment in support of safety, quality, service, and profit-impact activities, as well as support and maintain direct plant related activities.
- Provide technical support to plant personnel and maintain engineering documentation, CAD, and other drawing files which support project work and engineering.
- Perform root cause analysis and implement sustainable countermeasures on losses related to maintenance.
- Collaborate with the Engineering team to develop PMs/spearhead CI initiatives that drive improved reliability.
- Support Autonomous Maintenance through training of operators and ensuring that equipment basic conditions are maintained.
Project & Capital Management
- Provide input into planning and scheduling of projects and preparing capital expenditures.
- Simultaneously execute multiple complex projects from concept through commissioning and hand-off.
- Interact with Managers and Supervisors at the plant and corporate personnel to secure appropriate resources to plan and implement projects.
- Collaborate with other engineering team members to coordinate any proposed changes using the change management system.
Education/Training/Certifications
- BS Degree – Required (Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline).
Related Experience
- Electrical Engineering: 2 years
- Controls Engineering: 5+ years
- Manufacturing: 3 years
- Maintenance: 3 years
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and manuals.
- Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and other automation systems.
- Strong understanding of control panel and electrical design
- Familiarity with preventive maintenance programs and CMMS software.
- Proficiency with technology and Microsoft Office Suite applications.
Other Skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Travel Requirements: Within Burlington.
Physical Requirements:
- Standing
- Walking
- Sitting
- Use of hands, fingers
- Reaching with hands and arms
- Climb and balance
- Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
- Talk and hear
- Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
- Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
- Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
- Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
Alamance Foods Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons because of age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, gender, ethnic or national origin, or veteran status. Alamance Foods Inc. prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline
- At least 2 years of electrical engineering experience
- At least 5 years of controls engineering experience
- At least 3 years of manufacturing experience
- At least 3 years of maintenance experience
- Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and manuals
- Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and other automation systems
- Strong understanding of control panel and electrical design
- Familiarity with preventive maintenance programs and CMMS software
- Proficiency with technology and Microsoft Office Suite applications
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
What We Do
Alamance Foods Inc is a food and beverage manufacturer based in Burlington, North Carolina, specializing in high-quality, consumer-driven novelty products. The company is a leading supplier of whipped dairy products, specifically aerosol whipped cream, and also produces freeze pops, flavored drinks, and bottled water. They offer both branded and private-label solutions, combining innovative ideas with a long family tradition of excellence.
