Reporting to the Sr Director of Engineering, the New Technology Principal Engineer, Industrial Automation will research, create and develop new manufacturing technologies. These new technologies will deliver breakthroughs in system performance to improve operations and provide new manufacturing capabilities by applying emerging technologies within and outside of the food industry and adapt them for our use.
As a Principal Engineer you will create development roadmaps for new manufacturing technology development to support the Supply Chain Grocery & Snacks and Refrigerated & Frozen business platforms. You will have experience understanding the cost drivers of the existing operations and technical experience to deliver the next generation of manufacturing technologies. Build external partnerships with mainstream and early phase development companies which can help deliver new technologies. `
Position Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of breakthrough technologies with focus on humanoid, quadrupedal and traditional robotics, vision systems, augmented and virtual reality tools, smart factories, digital twin development and predictive systems.
- Research and implement new technologies to enhance automation capabilities.
- Analyze operational data to identify automation opportunities.
- Develop a road map to deliver breakthrough technologies which provide step change improvement which meet or exceed investment hurdles.
- Provide technical support for troubleshooting and resolving control system issues.
- Identify cost-effective new technology opportunities, develop business case to support development and commercialize the technology at scale.
- Interact with Engineering, Supply Chain, R&D, and IT to gain alignment of projects and initiatives
- Frequent interaction with top management of equipment and material vendors, engineering consultants, and installation contractors.
Position Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Control Systems Engineering or related.
- 8+ years of experience in electrical/control system design
- Minimum 5 years practical experience in Consumer Products, providing engineering leadership and developing new technologies in an FDA or USDA related manufacturing environment
- Experience providing both tactical and strategic project leadership.
- Demonstrated vision and execution of new process, packaging equipment, physical/digital automation and material handling technologies from development through proof of principal to scalable commercialization
- Track record in building external partnerships.
- This position is located in Omaha, NE/Chicago, IL or select field locations and involves communication and coordination across the organization.
- 50% Travel to, and working in, manufacturing facilities in North America including travel to vendor facilities, construction sites, system startups.
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Compensation:
Pay Range:$107,000-$156,000The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.
Anticipated Close Date:
December 30, 2025Our Benefits:
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
- Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
- Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
- Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
- Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities
Our Company:
At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye ®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.
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What We Do
Conagra has the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. Our diverse team embraces debate to challenge marketplace/business conventions. We are respected for our great brands, great food, great margins and consistent results.
We combine a rich heritage with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. Conagra’s portfolio of iconic and emerging food brands continues to evolve to offer contemporary choices for every occasion. We are a 100 year-old company with a startup attitude - an imperative to transform how we do business. What’s not changing? Our timeless values: integrity, external focus, broad-mindedness, agility, leadership by all, and a focus on results.
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