Job Description

We make pet food taste great! For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people. Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Join AFB and you'll be a part of a team of highly skilled professionals that provide the greatest contribution to our success as an organization. Our team members are diverse, creative, passionate experts who are genuinely dedicated to our mission, our customers, and the pets we serve worldwide. ​

Job Description

Are you passionate about designing and implementing cutting-edge automation solutions? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your expertise directly enhances manufacturing efficiency and reliability? We are seeking a talented Controls Systems Engineer to join our team at our facility in Aurora, Missouri to lead the development and optimization of control systems that power our production operations.

About the Role

As a Controls Systems Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain advanced instrumentation, automation, and control systems to improve manufacturing processes. You will work closely with maintenance teams, global engineering partners, and IT to deliver innovative automation projects and ensure robust Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, develop, and maintain PLC and HMI applications and embedded controls to automate manufacturing processes.
• Participate in commissioning new equipment and upgrades, troubleshooting electrical and control system issues.
• Lead projects involving control system design, budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination.
• Support and optimize the AVEVA System Platform SCADA environment.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align automation initiatives with business and engineering goals.
• Ensure control systems comply with industry safety standards and produce safe, high-quality products.
• Monitor system performance and availability, resolve connectivity issues, and assist in disaster recovery planning.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to controls and maintenance technicians.
• Stay current on automation technology advancements and apply them to improve processes.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Strong PLC programming skills (IEC 61131 standards; Rockwell PLC experience preferred).
• Experience with Studio 5000, RSLogix 5/500/5000, and commissioning PLCs from the ground up.
• HMI/SCADA expertise, particularly with AVEVA System Platform/Wonderware.
• Deep understanding of industrial control systems, ladder logic, and electrical instrumentation.
• Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 79, and UL508A safety codes.
• Knowledge of OT networking principles and infrastructure.
• Experience with Fanuc robotics a plus.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Proficient in MS Office, Visio, MS Project, AutoCAD Electrical, MMS, and ERP systems.

Why Join Us?

• Work on impactful automation projects that drive manufacturing innovation and efficiency.
• Collaborate with a supportive team committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Ready to take your automation engineering career to the next level?
Submit your resume today and join a team where your skills will drive innovation and success. We look forward to hearing from you!

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.