{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"22810d9b3341b97e890691da","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/22810d9b3341b97e890691da","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/22810d9b3341b97e890691da","title":"Controls Engineer","description":"About SunOpta\nSunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.\n\nJob Summary:\n\nThe Controls Engineer is responsible for the manufacturing automation and controls systems design, specification, documentation, programming, simulation, testing, and start-up assistance.\nThe Controls Engineer possesses operational, technical equipment, process, troubleshooting, and automation systems programming expertise.\nThey assist enterprise-wide with managing and overseeing operational automated controls and capital project programming protocols and installations, as well as manufacturing-related processes.\nThe Controls Engineer plans, directs, documents, and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Information Systems, Maintenance Instrumentation & Controls Technicians.\nThey are responsible for ensuring and improving the overall efficient performance, productivity, and operational compliance of the plant automation through the provision of effective methods, controls, and strategies.\nEssential Functions of the Job:\n\nDevelop and implement standard electrical and automation engineering practices.\nManage automation improvement projects.\nPLC logic programming.\nDesign, configure, integrate, and implement process control solutions for various manufacturing specifications.\nDevelop control system validation/testing protocols.\nFamiliar with TCP/IP, Modbus, and Devicenet communication protocols.\nExperience with controls and calibration utilizing best practices per relevant IEEE and IEC standards.\nPractical experience integrating transducers of types such as pressure, temperature, conductivity, PH, and flow with automated systems.\nExperience with developing and modifying Add on instructions for PLC logic.\nProportional Integral Derivative (PID) tuning and applications.\nResponsible for 3rd party calibration of transducers per company guidelines on frequency.\nProvides reliability engineering expertise that supports our maintenance and reliability efforts and assures asset life at or beyond the standards.\nIntegrating VFD’s with PLCs in automated processes, to include acceleration deceleration tuning, and HMI screens for operator interface.\nResponsible for Factory Acceptance Testing, and Provisional Acceptance Testing approval for newly installed 3rd party equipment to ensure fulfillment of contract specifications, provide integration support with existing equipment, as necessary.\nCollaborates with cross-functional groups including Production, Human Resources, Quality, Supply Chain, Warehouse, and Finance to meet production targets.\nDevelops, recommends, and implements measures to improve machines and plant equipment to maximize efficiency.\nLead, coach, and manage the performance of the maintenance Instrument Control Technician team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.\nTrain operators, managers, and IC Technicians on control systems\nOversees installation, modifications, quality control testing, operating procedure, and inspection processes adhering to engineering principles and safety regulations.\nServes as a safety model, promoting a high level of safety awareness and continuous improvement in safety practices.\nEnsures effective employee relations. Provides employee coaching and development. Resolves employee issues through problem resolution.\nResponsible for Food safety and quality of food. Demonstrates a commitment to Quality.\nFacilitates coordination between maintenance and operations in solving process issues.\nAdheres to company GMP’s (good manufacturing practices), safety procedures and all other quality processes.\nContinuously improve process control systems through Advanced Process Control, Alarm Management, and Operator Interface Optimization\nDesign, write programs, implement, test and document PLC and HMI or SCADA software of any of the following software packages: Rockwell, Factory Talk\nCreate, edit, and document batch systems recipes.\nServe as a resource and a technical expert for the plant in all disciplines of automation controls for line, utility support, and process equipment.\nWear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required.\nAll other duties, as assigned.\nMinimum Qualifications:\n\nBachelor’s or Associate degree in Industrial Controls, Electronics, Engineering, Technology or related disciplines or training on Allen Bradley machine controls (PLC’s/VFD’s).\nCertification or training on Plant Electrical Systems.\n5-7 years of applied industrial controls experience using Allen Bradley control platforms (SLC500, ControlLogix, MicroLogix, PanelView Plus, RS Logix, RS View), Motor Control experience with Servo and VFD devices.\nAseptic and/or high-speed beverage maintenance experience.\nSuccessful commissioning and startup automation experience.\nPreferred Qualifications:\n\nCertified Professional Engineer.\n5+ years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified required.\nKnowledge of and familiarity with the National Electric Code (NEC) and international standards.\nProficiency designing and programming control systems with emphasis on PLCs, SCADA, or HMI systems.\nAbility to troubleshoot control systems from the field element up through operator interfaces and databases.\nProficiency with control system networking technologies and PC networking technologies.\nProficiency working with SQL Server, Oracle, or other relational databases.\nFamiliarity with dairy productions processes, Clean In Place (CIP).\nTMP or LEAN manufacturing experience.\nFamiliarity with instrumentation (flow meters, level transmitters, RTDs/temperature transmitters, level probes, etc.)..\nExcellent written and verbal communication skills.\nSpecific knowledge of GMP’s and batch process control in the food science industry with validation experience.\nSkilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities.\nKnowledge and Skills:\n\nProgramming experience primarily with Allen Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix and SLC500 PLCs.\nHMI or SCADA programming and configuration.\nAllen Bradley PowerFlex VFDs.\nKnowledge of and familiarity with the National Electric Code (NEC) and international standards.\nProficiency designing and programming control systems with emphasis on PLCs, HMI systems.\nExperience and demonstrated knowledge of thermodynamics and mechanics is required.\nKnowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices is beneficial.\nStrong verbal and written communication skills are required.\nWorking knowledge of RSLogix 500,5000, and Studio 5000 Factory Talk view, and Studio.\nBasic network skills and troubleshooting.\nMust have a working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software.\nPrefer a candidate with SQF practical experience and training.\nDemonstrated results of solving complex technical issues.\nAdditional Considerations:\n\nTravel Requirements: Up to 10%.\nLocation: This position will be at our SunOpta Plant in Modesto, CA.\nSalary Range: $100,000 to $130,000 / annually DOE.\nFeatured benefits\n\nMedical insurance\nDental insurance\nVision insurance\nPaid Family leave\nPaid maternity leave\n401(k) with Match\nVoluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity\nPaid Holidays\nTuition assistance\nShort-term and Long-term Disability insurance\nPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.\n\nAN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER\nEOE M/W/VET/DISABLED","company":"Sunopta","rawCompany":"sunopta","city":"Modesto","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-05-11T19:36:22.345Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2199.05","title":"Mechatronics Engineers","slug":"mechatronics-engineers"},{"code":"11-3051.01","title":"Quality Control Systems Managers","slug":"quality-control-systems-managers"},{"code":"17-2071.00","title":"Electrical Engineers","slug":"electrical-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"335314","title":"Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing","slug":"relay-and-industrial-control-manufacturing"},{"code":"541330","title":"Engineering Services","slug":"engineering-services"},{"code":"334513","title":"Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables","slug":"instruments-and-related-products-manufacturing-for-measuring-displaying-and-controlling-industrial-process-variables"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Controls Engineer","description":"About SunOpta\nSunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.\n\nJob Summary:\n\nThe Controls Engineer is responsible for the manufacturing automation and controls systems design, specification, documentation, programming, simulation, testing, and start-up assistance.\nThe Controls Engineer possesses operational, technical equipment, process, troubleshooting, and automation systems programming expertise.\nThey assist enterprise-wide with managing and overseeing operational automated controls and capital project programming protocols and installations, as well as manufacturing-related processes.\nThe Controls Engineer plans, directs, documents, and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Information Systems, Maintenance Instrumentation & Controls Technicians.\nThey are responsible for ensuring and improving the overall efficient performance, productivity, and operational compliance of the plant automation through the provision of effective methods, controls, and strategies.\nEssential Functions of the Job:\n\nDevelop and implement standard electrical and automation engineering practices.\nManage automation improvement projects.\nPLC logic programming.\nDesign, configure, integrate, and implement process control solutions for various manufacturing specifications.\nDevelop control system validation/testing protocols.\nFamiliar with TCP/IP, Modbus, and Devicenet communication protocols.\nExperience with controls and calibration utilizing best practices per relevant IEEE and IEC standards.\nPractical experience integrating transducers of types such as pressure, temperature, conductivity, PH, and flow with automated systems.\nExperience with developing and modifying Add on instructions for PLC logic.\nProportional Integral Derivative (PID) tuning and applications.\nResponsible for 3rd party calibration of transducers per company guidelines on frequency.\nProvides reliability engineering expertise that supports our maintenance and reliability efforts and assures asset life at or beyond the standards.\nIntegrating VFD’s with PLCs in automated processes, to include acceleration deceleration tuning, and HMI screens for operator interface.\nResponsible for Factory Acceptance Testing, and Provisional Acceptance Testing approval for newly installed 3rd party equipment to ensure fulfillment of contract specifications, provide integration support with existing equipment, as necessary.\nCollaborates with cross-functional groups including Production, Human Resources, Quality, Supply Chain, Warehouse, and Finance to meet production targets.\nDevelops, recommends, and implements measures to improve machines and plant equipment to maximize efficiency.\nLead, coach, and manage the performance of the maintenance Instrument Control Technician team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.\nTrain operators, managers, and IC Technicians on control systems\nOversees installation, modifications, quality control testing, operating procedure, and inspection processes adhering to engineering principles and safety regulations.\nServes as a safety model, promoting a high level of safety awareness and continuous improvement in safety practices.\nEnsures effective employee relations. Provides employee coaching and development. Resolves employee issues through problem resolution.\nResponsible for Food safety and quality of food. Demonstrates a commitment to Quality.\nFacilitates coordination between maintenance and operations in solving process issues.\nAdheres to company GMP’s (good manufacturing practices), safety procedures and all other quality processes.\nContinuously improve process control systems through Advanced Process Control, Alarm Management, and Operator Interface Optimization\nDesign, write programs, implement, test and document PLC and HMI or SCADA software of any of the following software packages: Rockwell, Factory Talk\nCreate, edit, and document batch systems recipes.\nServe as a resource and a technical expert for the plant in all disciplines of automation controls for line, utility support, and process equipment.\nWear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required.\nAll other duties, as assigned.\nMinimum Qualifications:\n\nBachelor’s or Associate degree in Industrial Controls, Electronics, Engineering, Technology or related disciplines or training on Allen Bradley machine controls (PLC’s/VFD’s).\nCertification or training on Plant Electrical Systems.\n5-7 years of applied industrial controls experience using Allen Bradley control platforms (SLC500, ControlLogix, MicroLogix, PanelView Plus, RS Logix, RS View), Motor Control experience with Servo and VFD devices.\nAseptic and/or high-speed beverage maintenance experience.\nSuccessful commissioning and startup automation experience.\nPreferred Qualifications:\n\nCertified Professional Engineer.\n5+ years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified required.\nKnowledge of and familiarity with the National Electric Code (NEC) and international standards.\nProficiency designing and programming control systems with emphasis on PLCs, SCADA, or HMI systems.\nAbility to troubleshoot control systems from the field element up through operator interfaces and databases.\nProficiency with control system networking technologies and PC networking technologies.\nProficiency working with SQL Server, Oracle, or other relational databases.\nFamiliarity with dairy productions processes, Clean In Place (CIP).\nTMP or LEAN manufacturing experience.\nFamiliarity with instrumentation (flow meters, level transmitters, RTDs/temperature transmitters, level probes, etc.)..\nExcellent written and verbal communication skills.\nSpecific knowledge of GMP’s and batch process control in the food science industry with validation experience.\nSkilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities.\nKnowledge and Skills:\n\nProgramming experience primarily with Allen Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix and SLC500 PLCs.\nHMI or SCADA programming and configuration.\nAllen Bradley PowerFlex VFDs.\nKnowledge of and familiarity with the National Electric Code (NEC) and international standards.\nProficiency designing and programming control systems with emphasis on PLCs, HMI systems.\nExperience and demonstrated knowledge of thermodynamics and mechanics is required.\nKnowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices is beneficial.\nStrong verbal and written communication skills are required.\nWorking knowledge of RSLogix 500,5000, and Studio 5000 Factory Talk view, and Studio.\nBasic network skills and troubleshooting.\nMust have a working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software.\nPrefer a candidate with SQF practical experience and training.\nDemonstrated results of solving complex technical issues.\nAdditional Considerations:\n\nTravel Requirements: Up to 10%.\nLocation: This position will be at our SunOpta Plant in Modesto, CA.\nSalary Range: $100,000 to $130,000 / annually DOE.\nFeatured benefits\n\nMedical insurance\nDental insurance\nVision insurance\nPaid Family leave\nPaid maternity leave\n401(k) with Match\nVoluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity\nPaid Holidays\nTuition assistance\nShort-term and Long-term Disability insurance\nPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.\n\nAN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER\nEOE M/W/VET/DISABLED","datePosted":"2026-05-11T19:36:22.345Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T19:36:22.345Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Sunopta","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Modesto","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"22810d9b3341b97e890691da"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/22810d9b3341b97e890691da"}}