Contractual Advanced Process Control Engineer Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

Within our Corporate Continuous Improvement team - Leprino is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer (Eastern Region) based in Allendale, Michigan to serve as a key automation and controls resource supporting multiple manufacturing facilities across the region. This role focuses on PLC, HMI, SCADA, instrumentation, and process control systems, helping plants improve reliability, troubleshoot complex automation challenges, support system upgrades, and strengthen operational performance. The Senior Controls Engineer partners closely with plant engineering, maintenance, operations, and technical teams to standardize controls solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing network.

What You'll Do:

• Build, modify, and support PLC, HMI, SCADA, and manufacturing control systems that improve reliability, quality, and operational performance across Leprino's domestic facilities.
• Troubleshoot automation, instrumentation, and process control issues while partnering with plant engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to restore performance efficiently.
• Program and document ControlLogix PLCs, HMIs, and related control platforms using clear, maintainable standards.
• Support the deployment, startup, validation, and long-term support of automation systems, instrumentation, and process equipment.
• Develop integration solutions between manufacturing systems, process equipment, and plant automation platforms.
• Assist with capital projects by providing controls engineering guidance during design reviews, installation, startup, and system enhancements.
• Support plant initiatives focused on process improvement, loss reduction, equipment performance, and automation upgrades.
• Mentor engineers, technicians, and plant personnel on controls systems, troubleshooting methods, and automation standard practices.
• Create technical documentation, programming standards, training materials, and system support resources that strengthen consistency across facilities.
• Stay current on emerging automation technologies, industrial networks, instrumentation, and control system platforms to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support strategic manufacturing initiatives and automation projects throughout the organization.
• Serve as a controls engineering resource for manufacturing facilities across Leprino's Eastern Region, supporting automation reliability, system enhancements, and technical problem-solving.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field; or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• A minimum of five years of experience with PLC/SCADA integration, including ControlLogix PLC programming and/or Wonderware System Platform, InTouch, MES Operations, or related industrial automation platforms.
• Experience troubleshooting and supporting industrial control systems, instrumentation, and manufacturing automation equipment.
• Experience working with industrial automation networks such as Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, or comparable communication platforms.
• Experience with instrumentation including flow meters, pressure sensors, level sensors, temperature probes, VFDs, and motor control systems.
• The ability to travel up to 33% to support projects and manufacturing facilities across the United States.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):

• A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Experience supporting automation systems within food, dairy, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or other process manufacturing environments.
• Experience developing standards, training materials, or technical documentation for automation and control systems.
• Experience supporting robotic systems, advanced process controls, MES, or plant-wide SCADA platforms.
• Experience providing technical mentorship to engineers, technicians, or plant operations teams.
• Experience supporting equipment startups, process optimization efforts, or automation upgrades across multiple facilities.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual's unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino's history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We've grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world's largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the "World's Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company." From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?