Sr. Controls Specialist

Why This Role Is Worth Your Time

Be the go‑to expert for plant automation. You’ll design, improve, and sustain PLC/HMI/SCADA systems that keep a high‑volume pet‑food operation safe, efficient, and audit‑ready. If you like solving hard problems, standardizing best practices, and mentoring techs, this is a strong next step.

What Makes This Location Great

Hands‑on engineering with visible impact. You’ll own standards, reduce downtime, and make upgrades that boost OEE—backed by leadership that funds the right tools, training, and spare‑parts strategies.

Why This Location Works

• Cost of living below national averages; housing remains attainable in the NWA corridor.

• Short, predictable commutes; quick access to Fayetteville and Bentonville for amenities.

• Northwest Arkansas National Airport offers broad nonstop coverage for vendor travel.

• Weekend resets on local trails and the Siloam Springs Kayak/WOKA Whitewater parks.

Top 5 Must‑Haves

• 8–10+ years in controls/electrical within manufacturing; food or pet preferred.

• Strong with Allen‑Bradley/Studio 5000, PanelView/FactoryTalk, and Ethernet/IP.

• Reads/creates P&IDs, electrical schematics, and control narratives.

• Safety first: NFPA 70E, arc‑flash boundaries, LOTO, and safe work permits.

• Clear communicator and coach; builds technician capability and follow‑through.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain and improve PLC/HMI/SCADA systems; manage standards and backups.

• Lead small to mid‑size capital: URS, vendor bids, FAT/SAT, punch lists, and VSU.

• Troubleshoot line issues to root cause—PLC I/O, VFDs, sensors, networks.

• Integrate/new installs: recipe control, motion, vision, checkweighers, metal/X‑ray.

• Build OEE‑friendly control strategies: centerlines, alarms, and changeover logic.

• Develop documentation: PFDs/P&IDs, IO lists, redlines, SOPs, and training.

• Partner with Ops/QA/EHS on HACCP/FSMA, allergen control, and CIP/clean design.

• Support CMMS data quality; plan PMs, firmware roadmaps, and critical spares.

Skills & Experience

• Studio 5000 (Logix 5000), PanelView/FTView SE/ME; servo/motion and VFD tuning.

• Networks: Ethernet/IP, Stratix/VLANs, managed switches, and device‑level rings.

• Historians & data: OPC/SQL, line dashboards, SPC, and downtime coding.

• Instrumentation: transmitters, control valves, encoders, photoeyes, and load cells.

• Project controls: schedules, risk registers, MOC, and change control discipline.

• Travel to vendor sites and sister plants as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision; 401(k) with company match.

• PTO and paid holidays.

• Training support and advancement—lead site standards across facilities.

• Military‑friendly employer; veterans encouraged to apply.

About the Facility/Industry

The employer produces pet foods and related products in regulated environments. Controls engineering protects people, product, and uptime by delivering safe, reliable automation that meets food safety, quality, and compliance requirements.

EEO + Safety

We’re an equal‑opportunity employer. Safety, PPE, and LOTO are non‑negotiable.

Primary Call to Action

Apply in 2 minutes.

Application

To apply, go to www.nh3jobs.com.