Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the site authority for control systems architecture, standards, and lifecycle management.
• Lead advanced troubleshooting of plant-wide control system interactions and OT network issues.
• Perform complex troubleshooting of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and OT networks.
• Perform I/O testing, device replacement, wiring, and verification activities under supervision.
• Perform electrical inspections, testing, and verification using multimeters, megohmmeters, and other approved test equipment as trained.
• Apply precision calibration, tuning, and validation techniques to improve process stability and performance.
• Analyze system interactions to identify root causes of intermittent or multi-equipment failures including mechanical issues.
• Design, program, and maintain complex PLC, HMI, SCADA, and distributed control applications.
• Lead and coordinate OT cybersecurity improvements including system hardening, account management, patch management, backup validation, disaster recovery planning, and vulnerability remediation in alignment with corporate OT security standards.
• Partner with IT, Engineering, and external specialists to reduce cybersecurity risk to operational technology assets while maintaining system reliability and uptime.
• Direct control system upgrades, migrations, and large-scale automation and OT network projects.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and external vendors on controls and OT-related initiatives.
• Train and mentor controls personnel and establish technical competency standards.
• Supervise the daily work activities of assigned hourly controls staff; this role does not include responsibility for issuing disciplinary actions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two‑year technical degree or equivalent experience in controls, electrical, automation, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of advanced industrial controls experience.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, and OT networks.
• Demonstrated site-level authority in PLC, HMI, SCADA, and OT system architecture.
• Proven leadership in complex troubleshooting and large-scale automation projects.
• Ability to supervise assigned hourly controls staff without disciplinary authority. Ability to efficiently learn and use business and technical software tools—including Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, the company’s EAMS/CMMS, and Outlook—to support maintenance planning, documentation, and analysis.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation, including lifting up to 50 pounds; twisting, bending, kneeling, and crawling on top of or under equipment; working in hot and cold environments; operating aerial lifts; using ladders; and working at heights.

Preferred

• Rockwell Automation Logix Programmer or equivalent advanced certification
• Experience leading OT cybersecurity initiatives, including system hardening, patch management, backups, and disaster recovery planning.

Any questions or help with your application should be directed to [email protected] or can call 531-239-3620.

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.