Lead Controls Engineer

Job Details:

SUMMARY

This position's primary responsibility is to lead the Smart Factory "Are We Winning" Program's Connectivity Effort across Tyson Foods' production facilities. This is a hands-on technical role as much as a program-management role — the individual will personally perform connectivity configuration and troubleshooting, not simply direct others who do. Program workflow:

• Work with plant leadership to identify key processing equipment requiring connectivity. (Non-technical communication)
• Work directly with plant technical personnel and machine OEMs to design the connectivity plan — including hands-on evaluation of PLC architecture, network topology, and data availability at the machine. (Technical / PLC background and technical communication)
• Personally configure, test, and troubleshoot connectivity — protocol setup, PLC data mapping, and network integration — stepping in as the technical resource when plant or contractor capability falls short. (Hands-on technical execution)
• Work with plant leadership, technical personnel, integrators, contractors, and corporate finance on cost estimates, project plans/timelines, and CIR building. (Communication and project management)
• Drive execution across all teams and personnel involved to ensure each project delivers on schedule and at cost. (Project management)
• Manage 10–20 projects simultaneously. (Multi-project program management)

REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another technical field preferred. Equivalent work experience is acceptable if the individual demonstrates hands-on technical ability to execute connectivity work directly, communication skills to lead the program, and project management capability.

Experience: 5+ years working with plant processes and equipment, including direct, hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting machine connectivity — not solely oversight or coordination of others performing the work.

Technical Skills: Strong, hands-on knowledge of machine PLCs and industrial connectivity/networking (e.g., OPC-UA, MQTT, Ethernet/IP, or comparable protocols). Proficient in Microsoft Office. Background in Ignition and Anaplan a plus.

Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication. Demonstrated ability to translate technical information for non-technical stakeholders and vice versa.

Special Skills: Builds rapport quickly with plant teams and develops strong long-term relationships. Performs the technical work personally when needed, rather than relying solely on others to execute. Thrives in ambiguity and operates as a self-starter.

Travel: 25%

** Not eligible for immigration/work authorization support now or in the future **

** Not eligible for relocation assistance **

All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Work Shift:

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

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The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.

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