Controls Engineer Jobs in Fort Smith, AR (NOW HIRING)

The project team will support implementation of the MES system across the Rockline Operating System in the US. This associate will work with every plant, a world class external integrator (SkyIO) and will contribute directly to bringing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into Rockline. This system will transform the flow of information, enhance production controls, tighten product consistency and reshape reporting building on years of physical automation investment throughout the global footprint.

This role will collaborate with their cross-functional peers on the MES (Manufacturing Execution System) Core team and site engineering to assure that the new MES system connects safely and effectively to the PLC controls in the equipment.

 The MES deployment will last 36-48 months and expand into a broader role in the OT space of the business at close of that timeframe. Direct hire opportunity - not contract based.

What You’ll Do

• Secure and integrate feedback from the seven plants to ensure line controls deliver a safe, consistent approach across the enterprise.
• Act as the primary liaison between plant stakeholders and MES system integrators, ensuring operational requirements, recipe parameters, machine behaviors, and business processes are clearly defined, documented, and accurately translated into system functionality
• Own machine permissives, MES enforcement logic, equipment stop conditions, operational controls, and the definition, documentation, validation, and support of PLC tags, machine states, OEE data points, recipe parameters, and equipment interfaces required for compliant manufacturing execution.
• Design, develop, test, validate, and troubleshoot MES integrations with production equipment, PLCs, HMIs, scanners, quality systems, and other plant-floor technologies. Guide equipment-to-HMI connectivity requirements and partner with site engineering teams to support PLC troubleshooting and integration activities.
• Collaborate with GE and OT teams to define and maintain MES-to-equipment integration standards, including nomenclature, hardware interface requirements, controls architecture alignment, and backward compatibility with existing assets. Review and provide technical input on MES designs, configurations, and deliverables developed by external integrators to ensure alignment with Rockline standards and operational requirements.
• Establish and maintain MES startup, shutdown, and operational protocols to ensure equipment and associate safety.
• Contribute to the development and phased rollout of the MES roadmap, supporting pilot definition, gap analysis, and deployment planning for future plant implementations.
• Actively support change management initiatives by partnering with MES change champions, gathering user feedback, and driving adoption across plant operations.
• Support knowledge transfer by developing and maintaining technical documentation, integration standards, and best-practice guidance for plant engineering and OT teams.
• Demonstrate commitment to the company’s RRITE Values of Renew, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence.
• Associates have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of each associate’s essential accountabilities.
• Contribute to a cooperative working effort by demonstrating a willingness to perform other job-related work, as needed or requested.

What You Bring

• Bachelor of science degree in electrical, industrial or mechanical engineering in addition to 5+ years of manufacturing experience with progressive technical responsibility in OT and/or engineering
• An equivalent combination of education and experience can be substituted to satisfy the minimum qualifications.
• Hands-on experience using controls and PLCs (Rockwell, Bosch and Siemens is a plus)
• Proven ability to communicate highly detailed technical and operational information and translate it into clear, logical business rules.
• Proven ability to influence without authority, provide technical mentoring, and gain stakeholder buy
• Strong understanding of engineering practices, processes, controls and management changes. Awareness of IoT/M4.0 based systems and approaches preferred.
• Experience with AVEVA or other MES software is a plus; Experience with SQL and JavaScript is a plus
• Experience contributing to largescale, multiplant initiatives preferred

Why Join Rockline

Rockline is a privately held, family-owned consumer products manufacturer known for its stability, strong values, and people-first culture. Joining this team means:

• You will help deliver one of Rockline’s most impactful digital modernization initiatives.
• Your work directly influences every Rockline plant in the U.S.
• You will gain deep exposure to MES, OT, controls engineering, automation, and data technology.
• You’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative culture grounded in the RRITE values.
• This role grows into broader opportunities within Operations Technology after the multiyear MES deployment.

Ready to Shape the Future of Manufacturing at Rockline?

If you are a systems-minded engineer who thrives on cross-functional collaboration and wants to build something that will impact the business for years to come, we encourage you to apply.