Lead Controls Engineer - Food and Beverage Specialty M/F

Overview

Avanceon is hiring a Principal Controls Engineer to support a long-term, strategic food & beverage customer relationship. This is a key technical role focused on multi-site process automation integration, working across batching, packaging, and CIP systems.

You’ll serve as the technical right-hand to the Operations Manager, leading project execution while also acting as a mentor and subject matter expert to the broader engineering team. Ideal candidates will bring hands-on controls experience in food processing environments and a passion for delivering solutions that are smart, scalable, and operations-friendly.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design and execution of control system solutions for one of our most valued food & beverage customers
• Serve as a technical authority on food process automation—including process/batching, CIP, packaging, and utilities

Architect PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems (primarily Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Aveva)

• Drive innovation through practical application of Industry 4.0 and IIoT technologies
• Act as the customer’s trusted engineering partner—engaging with plant and corporate stakeholders across multiple locations
• Lead FATs, site commissioning, and startup activities nationwide
• Mentor and support other engineers on the project team
• Collaborate closely with the Operations Manager to ensure successful delivery and build long-term trust

What You Bring

• 7+ years in industrial automation, with strong experience in food & beverage manufacturing environments
• Deep knowledge of food processing systems (e.g., batching, mixing, sanitation, temperature control, line integration)
• Hands-on proficiency in PLCs (Allen-Bradley preferred), SCADA platforms (FactoryTalk, Aveva, Ignition), and HMI development
• Proficient in AutoCAD Electrical and control panel design best practices
• Strong communication skills—you can bridge the gap between IT, plant floor, and corporate engineering teams
• Ability and willingness to travel to customer sites (10–25%)

Why This Role Is Unique

• Work on high-impact systems that directly affect national food supply
• Join a tight-knit, high-trust customer team that values long-term partnerships over transactional projects
• Influence enterprise-wide system design through your technical expertise
• Support a customer with modern plants, forward-thinking leadership, and ongoing innovation initiatives

Who is Actemium Avanceon?

We are an engineering firm that helps manufacturers make their factories faster, with higher quality, and less waste. We work within industrial control systems to cause machinery within a manufacturing plant to work in the best possible way. Our clients come from many different verticals (food, consumer goods, drinking and wastewater – not together! and much more). You can imagine that this provides incredible amounts of varied and fascinating experiences for our associates. We are a stable and growing business that, thanks to our awesome employees, we have even been named a Top Workplace in Philly for 7 years in a row!

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We believe our differences enrich our growth and success. Avanceon is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values and welcomes diversity among our associates. We are an equal-opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.