Electrical and Controls Technical Leader

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

This position is the Technical Leader and Subject Matter Expert for the Electrical & Controls Center of Excellence in Supply Chain Engineering. You will lead and collaborate with engineering firms, technology providers and cross-functional teams to deliver Best-In-Class Electrical and Controls systems in Perdue. Responsibilities include leading system design, establishing standards, and overseeing implementation of capital projects and advising on plant staffing requirements. This role will raise organization capability via benchmarking, hands-on coaching and training. You will be the key advocate to develop and promote an Automation and AI strategy for Perdue manufacturing.

The salary range for this position is $165,000.00 - $247,000.00 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, vison, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

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Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Be the "go to" person for Electrical and Controls early management of capital projects and initiatives. Lead system design and support execution. Project portfolio includes small investment/High Complexity projects to large capital projects (up to and including brownfield/greenfield expansions).
• Work collaboratively with Operations leadership and Sr Directors of Engineering to execute programs that deliver Safety, Compliance, Quality, Profitable Growth, and Cost.
• Own standards for Electrical and Controls equipment: Responsible for development and continuous improvement of standards to drive business results; identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to enhance safety, efficiency and reliability
• Capability Building: Establish and lead the community of practice for Electrical and Controls and recommend plant staffing levels. Build Technical capability into the organization via hands on coaching, training programs and troubleshooting.
• Partner with Perdue IT team to lead the design of standard OT platforms connecting plant floor to enterprise systems with security by design.
• External Benchmarking: Stay up to date on technology and equipment to enable best in class engineering design. Identify key technology and processes to apply within Perdue to deliver improvements in Safety, Compliance, Quality and Profit.
• Electrical Safety and Maintenance: Provide guidance on best practices in regard to electrical distribution and compliance with NFPA 70/70E. Be a process owner for Arc Flash program, infrared studies and overall electrical maintenance strategies.
• Engineering Work Process Champion: Champion and drive the use of Engineering Work process and tools. Delivering engineering excellence on Major capital projects via standards and processes.
• Manage Obsolescence: Identify obsolescence and development replacement strategy for electrical and controls infrastructure (PLC, SCADA, drives, electrical distribution equipment).
• Collaborate with external engineering and internal resources to commercialize innovative technology and deliver vertical startups.
• This position has no direct reports but works collaboratively with safety, FSQA, production, maintenance, and engineering project managers.
• This is a remote position and must be able to travel to remote facilities, plants and/or other offices.

Minimum Education

BS degree in Engineering with strong technical expertise in PLC, SCADA, Automation, CAD, Project Management. Ability to communicate complex technical concepts at all levels of the organization.

Experience Requirements

10+ years related work experience with a track record in problem solving, developing multi-site strategies, influencing cross functional teams to navigate technical challenges.

Experience Preferred

BS degree in Electrical Engineering, 15+ years of electrical design including medium and low voltage systems. Automation and Controls project design and implementation experience in major platforms (Rockwell, Siemens) preferred. Food and Beverage or Poultry Processing experience is preferred.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• Position is active. Work activity is on the project and plant sites. On the floor activities such as troubleshooting and re-design of existing systems are routine.

• May need to move equipment occasionally.

• May need to access files, supplies and equipment.

• Work activity is where the processing equipment is located.

• Work environment includes, but is not limited to, a normal office environment and construction site as well as climate extremes found in a poultry processing operation, feed mill, hatchery and a waste water treatment facility.

• Position requires an associate to have the ability to move throughout the complex and all facilities.

• When in a plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.

• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.

• May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.

• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.

• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

• Must be able to work on and or around operating equipment.

• Must be trained and use Lockout/Tagout.

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.