Process Controls Engineer (Food & Beverage)

TL;DR

Process Controls Engineer (Food & Beverage): Designing and commissioning industrial control systems for complex manufacturing environments with an accent on PLC programming, HMI development, and process instrumentation. Focus on delivering high-impact automation solutions for food and beverage facilities, including onsite commissioning and technical leadership.

Location: Must be based in or near Lubbock, TX or Lemoore, CA, with up to 25% travel required for onsite commissioning.

Salary: $120,000–$140,000

Company

Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm providing integrated solutions across diverse industries including science, technology, and manufacturing.

What you will do

• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to define process control requirements and solutions.
• Develop, test, and commission PLC programs based on functional descriptions.
• Specify controls hardware and review electrical installation documents for technical accuracy.
• Perform onsite IO checks and system commissioning until full production is achieved.
• Provide maintenance and operator training during project handovers.
• Support project managers with hardware estimates and engineering effort planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or chemical engineering required.
• Minimum 5 years of process controls experience in Pulp & Paper or Food & Beverage industries.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming (RS Logix, Studio 5000).
• Experience with Wonderware InTouch, Archestra, and FactoryTalk HMI development.
• Understanding of process instrumentation, control loops, and P&ID interpretation.
• Ability to travel for onsite startups, including working extended hours (12+ hours/day) for up to 14 continuous days.

Nice to have

• Experience programming legal PLCs and familiarity with USDA requirements for pasteurizers.
• Experience designing controls system networks using Ethernet.
• Proficiency in batch controls, recipe management, and CIP circuits.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company stock purchase options.
• 10 paid holidays and structured paid leave programs.
• Commitment to a people-first approach and sustainable engineering solutions.
• Opportunities for career growth within an employee-owned firm.