Jack Link's Protein Snacks
Food Manufacturing
ControlsEngineeringManager
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for mid candidates.
“Controls Engineering Manager at Jack Link's Protein Snacks. Skills: Automation strategy, Controls engineering, Team leadership, System reliability. Lead automation strategy. Standardize PLC architecture”
What You'll Achieve.
Reduce automation-driven downtime by 25–40%; Implement 24/7 automation support model; Integrate controls into reliability strategy; Integrate controls into daily management; Build high-performing team
Industry & Context.
Root cause analysis; Troubleshooting
24/7 support model, Wear PPE, Stand for extended periods, Lift up to 25 pounds, Lift up to 50 pounds infrequently
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
12+ years in controls/automation engineering, 5+ years in leadership/management role
Nice to Have
Motion control experience, Vision systems experience, Robotics experience, System integration experience, Commissioning experience
What You'll Do.
Lead automation strategy
Standardize PLC architecture
Standardize HMI architecture
Standardize SCADA architecture
Standardize network architecture
Drive system modernization roadmap
Drive obsolescence mitigation roadmap
Drive digital integration roadmap
Ensure 24/7 controls support
Own automation failures escalation
Own chronic downtime escalation
Partner with Maintenance on MTTR
Define troubleshooting standards
Implement troubleshooting standards
Define root cause analysis
Implement root cause analysis
Lead controls engineering team
Set performance expectations
Set development plans
Set technical standards
Partner with Reliability Engineering
Eliminate repeat failure modes
Build predictive automation strategies
Build preventative automation strategies
Support TPM initiatives
Enable FI via automation
Enable AM via automation
Lead automation scope for projects
Ensure design standards for projects
Ensure commissioning excellence for projects
Ensure seamless startup performance
Own SCADA/MES data accuracy
Own SCADA/MES data availability
Enable real-time visibility into downtime
Enable real-time visibility into performance
Enable real-time visibility into process control
Partner with CI on data insights
Partner with data teams on insights
Work closely with Operations
Work closely with Maintenance
Work closely with Reliability
Work closely with CI/OpEx
Participate in performance reviews
Participate in loss elimination processes
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Cross-functional teams; Operations; Maintenance; Reliability; OpEx & CI
Communication Scope
Translate technical issues
Process & Methodology
Project execution, Capital projects
Full Job Description
At Link Snacks , we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago. We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—[Jack Link’s®](https://www.jacklinks.com/) , [Lorissa’s Kitchen®](https://www.lorissaskitchen.com/) , [Golden Island®](https://www.goldenislandjerky.com/) , [BiFi®](https://www.bifi.com/en) , and [Peperami®](https://www.peperami.tv/) and [KOOEE!®](https://www.kooeesnacks.com.au/) to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it. Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks. Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks. The Controls Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, performance, and development of all automation, controls, and SCADA systems within a highly automated food manufacturing facility. This role ensures maximum equipment uptime, system reliability, and continuous improvement of automation platforms to support world-class safety, quality, and operational efficiency. This leader is a critical driver of OEE, downtime reduction, and digital plant capability, partnering closely with Operations, Mainten
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