Lead Engineer, Controls - Welsh & Associates : Job Details

Lead Engineer, Controls

Welsh & Associates

Job Location : Buffalo,NY, USA

Posted on : 2025-08-17T00:43:12Z

Job Description :

POSITION SUMMARY

The Controls Leader will provide key leadership regarding power and control systems, including equipment specification, maintenance, proper operation, technician development, troubleshooting, and repair to achieve or exceed reliability targets at the plant. This role is responsible for systems optimization, compliance, personnel safety, and technician skill development related to plant electrical power and process control systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist the primary administrator and troubleshooter for plant power and control systems; serve as a key member of plant technical leadership.
  • Contribute to the Engineering Projects Manager in developing and managing power and control standards, ensuring their application on all projects and upgrades.
  • Lead the execution of the site master plan for power and control systems, including understanding the installed base and planning for obsolete equipment replacements.
  • Develop and maintain a sustainable system for the skill development of plant Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) technicians, including coaching on skill assessment and development.
  • Manage E&I technicians and set daily direction.
  • Ensure technician compliance with local and national regulator codes (NFPA 70, NFPA 70e, NFPA 79, OSHA 1910), and ensure equipment and practice safety compliance.
  • Validate MES data from PLCs and support plant Process Engineers in conditioning PLC data for effective analysis, including application development.
  • Support the design and implementation of machine control and process automation applications, such as control strategies, HMI design, MES applications, and KPI development.
  • Collaborate with engineering and operations to identify losses and develop strategies to eliminate them, focusing on safety, quality, reliability, and cost.
  • Own key system elements related to power and control systems, including electrical safety and quality/CCP compliance systems.
  • Work closely with engineering and operations leaders on the selection, installation, and start-up of new equipment, becoming the technical expert and training others on control systems.
  • Provide power and control engineering support for capital initiatives.
  • Offer daily support to other plant areas as needed.
  • Learn and apply control, simulation, and process modeling technologies to analyze and improve overall operations.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering is required; Electrical Engineering is preferred.

    • Experience

  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant controls experience required.
  • Manufacturing experience is preferred.
  • Experience in mechanical and electrical systems within food manufacturing is preferred.

    • Other

  • Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
  • Strong knowledge of machine and process control hardware, instrumentation, and software, including Allen Bradley PLC and Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms.
  • Working knowledge of NFPA and OSHA electrical guidelines.
  • Proficiency with plant historian systems.
  • Understanding of technical systems and terminology.
  • Experience in learning and integrating new technologies.
  • Experience in leading equipment installation in food manufacturing environments.
  • Proven results in manufacturing maintenance using maintenance systems.
  • Experience with plant systems software.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to motivate others.
  • Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness to work off-shifts or weekends and to support calls as needed.
  • Experience in leading, teaching, or managing teams effectively.
  • Some travel may be required.
  • Able to perform moderate physical activity, including time on the manufacturing floor and equipment work.
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