Job Description

Description

Why you are here:

Delicious things, done right is the foundation of how our team has been successful in providing ready-to-eat ingredients for ice cream and frozen desserts for more than 40 years. Customer satisfaction, quality ingredients, a robust food safety program and continual innovation in ice cream inclusions are kind of our thing. As a certified B corporation, Rhino is working to use business as a source for good.

As the Automation and Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining automation systems and controls within the food manufacturing environment. In this role you will work closely with production teams to optimize processes, improve efficiency, ensure product quality, and maintain compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

What you’ll accomplish:

• Design automation systems and control strategies to optimize food manufacturing processes, including machinery, production lines, and packaging systems.

• Write, test, and debug PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programs, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) interfaces, and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems to control equipment and monitor processes.

• Integrate new automation technologies with existing equipment and systems, ensuring compatibility and seamless operation. This includes low voltage wiring, ethernet, control cabinet building, motor controls & drives. 

• Identify and resolve technical issues related to automation systems and controls, performing regular maintenance activities, and implementing preventive measures to minimize downtime.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze production processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements to enhance productivity, quality, and safety.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards for food safety, hygiene, and environmental regulations, implementing safety protocols, and conducting risk assessments for automation systems. 

• Apply cyber security best practices to production machine network including category 3 & 4 Safety circuits, automation/interlocks of life safety systems, and lock out tag out.

• Provide training to production staff on the use of automation systems and controls, creating documentation such as schematics (EPLAN, Draftsight) manuals, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and troubleshooting guides.

• Manage automation projects from concept to completion, including budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination with internal teams and external vendors.

Requirements

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in an engineering role.
• Experience with software tools for PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron, B&R), HMI development (e.g., TIA, Studio, FactoryTalk), and SCADA (IBA) systems. EPLAN & Draftsight.
• Expert with Machine Networking, Ethernet/Internet Protocols, VNC & VPN capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, motion control systems, robotics (KUKA, Codian) and industrial networking protocols.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as ladder logic, structured text, function block diagram, or C/C++.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Electrical Engineering with an understanding of Mechanical and Process Engineering techniques.
• Ability to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty and draw valid conclusions
• Understanding of food manufacturing processes, quality standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP), and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, BRC).
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, SME (Subject Matter Expert) in troubleshooting complex automation issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Project management skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Ability to work as a respectful member within a collaborative team.
• Ability to evaluate information, assess validity and make informed decision/recommendations based on evidence and reasoning.

Flexibility is essential in Rhino’s ability to respond to short-term demands and ensure smooth operations during busy times. You may be required to work outside normal business hours, nights, weekends or at another Rhino location in order to meet business needs.

Rhino Foods is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”). We support employment opportunities for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.