Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Lead the future of automation and advanced manufacturing. The Automation Controls Superintendent drives the performance, reliability, and evolution of control and robotic systems across the facility, ensuring production equipment operates at peak efficiency. This role partners closely with operations and engineering teams to implement new technologies, enhance existing control systems, and identify opportunities to reduce costs through smarter automation solutions. As a hands-on technical leader, the Automation Controls Superintendent also leads and develops multi craft and automation technicians while establishing systems that ensure long term sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement across equipment and control platforms. 

The salary range for this position is $89,000 - $130,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).  

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1-year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.  

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Integration of new automation to current line capabilities. 

• Review technical specifications and schematics for new equipment to ensure that sound engineering practices are followed and that Machine Build Standards, NEC, and OSHA requirements are met. 

•  Add additional automation and robotic functionality to existing production equipment. 

• Perform system evaluations, electrical design and automation system programming support for all plant manufacturing operations.  Maintain a system for keeping track of control software. 

• Solve technical problems supporting production.  Perform root-cause analysis, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain automation and robotic equipment. 

• Upgrading of existing equipment and integration of existing equipment with new automation.  Alterations to existing manuals and wiring diagrams, implementation of training packages for equipment altered. 

• Troubleshoot electrical wiring, relay logic, control and safety circuits. 

• Troubleshoot electronic boards, PLC’s, touch screens, VFD’s, HMI displays, contactors and motors. 

• Designs and develops the human machine interface (HMI). 

• Communicates and coordinates with management of the installation team to ensure that technicians are executing per documented processes. 

• Manage and help perform preventative and predictive maintenance of all automation equipment. 

• Train Automation Control Techs and Maintenance Techs on equipment, procedures and troubleshooting practices. 

• Follow all company policies including but not limited to general manufacturing and safety practices. 

• Ensure that work is completed in accordance with relevant codes and proper documentation. 

• Participate in continuous improvement activities and performance teams for suggesting methods to improve processes, efficiency, quality and service. 

• Be able to provide after-hours telephone and on-site troubleshooting assistance to plant electrical, engineering and production departments in a 24-hour, 7-day a week operation. 

• Follow all company policies and procedures including, but not limited to GMP, HACCP, Health and Safety, Attendance. 

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, a related field, or a technical degree related to electronics, controls and/or mechatronics, or equivalent work experience in a related field. 

• 3 - 5 years’ experience in an industrial environment. 

• Experience with machine controls, PLC ladder logic and Fanuc robot programing preferred. 

• Ambition to drive innovation of machines in a manufacturing environment. 

• Definitive experience with RCA and associated CI Tools and Principles. 

• High-level of analytical thinking and communication skills. 

• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills 

• Recognition of different perspectives and ability to deal with all levels of the organization. 

• Must have good understanding of PLC systems and ability to create PLC program code and program documentation. 

• Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to relate well to a wide range of constituents. 

• Must be able to function well as a member of a team. 

Preferred Education and Experience

• Should have good practical experience in PLC systems for process or material handling work. 

• Experience with “Allen-Bradley”, PLC programming experience.  

• HMI programming experience. 

• Experience with Allen-Bradley variable frequency AC drives and reduced voltage starters preferred. 

• Experience specifying, installing and troubleshooting thermocouples, pressure transducers, proximity sensors, etc. 

• Proficient troubleshooting including but not limited to electrical/electronic circuits. 

• Proficiency at using tools including but not limited to electronic testing equipment. 

• Capability of using a Windows based PC and Microsoft Office applications. 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, Holidays and overtime as needed. 

• Ability to travel to other facilities at a rate of 25% - 50%. 

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• In stationary positions or moving for 12 hours on a wet, moist, dry and greasy floor which includes metal or plastic grating surfaces with up to four (4) hours in a single interval. 

• Ability to climb stairs, upon equipment, catwalks and work from various ladders.  Exposure to and work in temperatures of <0 to >110 degrees Fahrenheit with ambient humidity, noise exposure of >110 db, and light intensity range of <50 to >100-foot candles. 

• Bending, twisting, lifting, reaching, sitting, and grasping varies in repetitions, distance, degrees, angle, weight, height longest interval of time, objects grasped, and body positions depend upon the maintenance task being performed.  

• Must be able to lift and control weights up to 100 pounds.  

• Must be able to bend down and maintain a kneeling position.  

• Must be able to work outside in all types of weather conditions.  

• Exposure to chlorinated water <50ppm, ammonia vapors >5ppm, dry ice, caustic detergents, lubricating oils, hydraulic oils, salt and other chemicals found in a poultry processing operation.  

• Must wear and/or use protective and safety equipment required for the job. 

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.