Sr. Controls Engineer – York, PA
Schedule: Monday – Friday (hours may vary; flexibility needed for off-hours support and during large projects/installations)
Location: York, PA manufacturing/distribution facility producing Arm & Hammer Cat Litter and Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent
About the Role
We're looking for a Sr. Controls Engineer to provide plant electrical, instrumentation, and controls engineering support from design and assembly through integration, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of PLC-based control systems. You'll lead automation capital projects, drive continuous improvement in packaging and processing controls logic, and provide technical leadership across the plant, including direct supervision of an Instrumentation Controls Specialist.
What You'll Do
- Champion a strong safety culture and uphold all plant safety policies, including electrical safety (NFPA 70E)
- Design and modify process control and instrumentation systems
- Manage automation/controls capital projects within scope, budget, and timeline
- Lead plant technical and administrative direction on PLCs, microprocessors, and related systems
- Improve packaging/processing controls logic for efficiency and reduced waste
- Develop project justifications and business recommendations, including capital planning input
- Lead cross-functional teams through technical challenges
- Support Electricians, Maintenance Mechanics, and Line Mechanics with controls troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and testing
- Troubleshoot and improve processing automation and cycle time throughput
- Identify cost reduction and efficiency opportunities
- Develop and coordinate instrumentation/controls training for operations and maintenance staff
- Provide leadership on electrical systems maintenance, repair, and upgrade recommendations
- Supervise and cross-train the Instrumentation Controls Specialist to build a deep, flexible workforce
- Manage timekeeping approvals and handle corrective actions fairly and consistently
- Support Lean Daily Management objectives and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure sanitation and housekeeping standards are maintained
- Participate in the hiring process and provide input on personnel decisions
What You Bring
Required:
- 5–8 years of relevant experience
- 4-year post-secondary degree in a relevant technical field
Preferred:
- 5–7 years of engineering experience in a high-volume, multi-SKU, fast-paced manufacturing environment; CPG and/or FDA-regulated experience a plus
- Flexibility for varied hours/shifts, especially during major projects
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Continuous Improvement)
Skills & Knowledge:
- Hands-on experience designing, assembling, integrating, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning PLC-based control systems
- Working knowledge of NEC and UL standards, Allen Bradley Controls, AC/motor controls, and process sensors
- Ability to calibrate/test controls and verify instrumentation accuracy
- Ability to read, red-line, and prepare control/instrumentation schematics, ladder logic diagrams, wiring schematics, and P&IDs/PFDs
- Strong critical thinking and Continuous Improvement mindset (Six Sigma, 5S, TPS)
- Strong computer skills (MS Office, MS Project, CMMS, SAP); AutoCAD and SAP Maintenance Module a plus
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational/time management skills
Working Conditions: Non-climate-controlled facility; candidates will be exposed to seasonal temperature variations. PPE and department dress code compliance required.
We’ve been making products that millions enjoy and rely on since 1846. We are a $4.9 billion company located in Ewing, New Jersey and are one of the fastest-growing consumer packaged goods companies.
Added to the S&P 500 in 2016, our brands are instantly recognizable across three primary segments:
Our Consumer Domestic segment includes our thirteen power brands, ARM & HAMMERTM, TrojanTM, First ResponseTM, NairTM, SpinbrushTM, OxiCleanTM, OrajelTM, BatisteTM, XTRATM, WaterPikTM, FlawlessTM and ZICAMTM.
