Principal Engineer – Controls

Conagra Brands

Principal controls engineer advancing automation and control systems for Conagra Brands’ food manufacturing operations. Leading capital projects, system integration, and continuous-improvement initiatives.

Posted 8/12/2026full-timeRemote • Colorado, Illinois, New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $109,000 - $159,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in electrical and control system design, with a strong focus on manufacturing automation systems and integration solutions. Proven ability to lead large-scale system integration projects and develop long-term strategies for continuous improvement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Electrical And Control System DesignRockwell Automation Control SystemsManufacturing Automation SystemsHuman Machine Interface Visualization SystemsInductive Automation Ignition

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Electrical And Control System DesignManufacturing Automation SystemsProgrammable Logic ControllersVariable Frequency DrivesServo SystemsHuman Machine InterfacesDatabase IntegrationSQL Server ApplicationsRobotic Packaging SystemsClean-In-Place Systems

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipCross-Functional CollaborationStrategic Development

Tools & Technologies

Rockwell SoftwareAveva WonderwareInductive Automation Ignition

Industry Keywords

Food IndustryAutomationControl SystemsCybersecurity Principles

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecuritySQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a technical expert and resource across the Conagra Engineering organization
Partner with engineering disciplines, project teams, and site stakeholders to evaluate requirements and develop optimized automation and control system solutions
Support capital investment projects and provide technical leadership for manufacturing automation systems
Develop annual and three-year capital plans with system improvement and automation recommendations
Support FEL capital project development with estimates and technical assessments
Evaluate technologies and recommend automation, controls, and integration solutions
Conduct factory infrastructure assessments and identify facility requirements
Support capital and expense cost estimating
Collaborate with Engineering Project Managers on project design schedules
Review equipment and system performance criteria
Support Factory Acceptance Testing and Site Acceptance Testing
Identify prerequisites, risks, alternative solutions, and optimization opportunities
Develop functional control descriptions for manufacturing systems and unit operations
Create and review Technical Briefs
Develop Business Case Screening scopes and estimates
Maintain knowledge of industry regulations, codes, and standards
Provide technical and economic feasibility analyses for continuous improvement and competitive advantage initiatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science
7+ years of experience in electrical and control system design
5+ years of experience working with Rockwell Automation control systems
Experience with operations and manufacturing conceptual design
Advanced knowledge of manufacturing automation systems, networking concepts, programmable logic controllers, variable frequency drives, servo systems, and human machine interfaces
Expert-level experience with human machine interface visualization systems, database integration, and SQL Server applications
Experience with Inductive Automation Ignition, Rockwell Software, Aveva Wonderware, or similar industrial automation platforms
Experience supporting advanced process and packaging controls, including robotic packaging systems, batching systems, and Clean-In-Place systems
Experience leading large-scale system integration projects and programs
Experience leading internal initiatives and driving cross-functional improvements
Demonstrated success developing long-term strategies, roadmaps, and technical initiatives
Proven track record identifying improvement opportunities and implementing sustainable solutions
Role located in Omaha, NE, Chicago, IL, select field locations, or remote locations east of Denver, CO and within reasonable proximity (50 miles) to a major airport
Willingness to travel up to 30%
Role may require working in manufacturing facilities and performing physical tasks including walking, climbing stairs/ladders, kneeling, repetitive hand-eye coordination tasks, and lifting or carrying materials
Experience in the food industry preferred
Knowledge of computer systems, network integration, information technology systems, and cybersecurity principles preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive healthcare plans
Wellness incentive program
Mental wellbeing support
Fitness reimbursement
Great pay
Bonus incentive opportunity
Matching 401(k)
Stock purchase plan
Career development opportunities
Employee resource groups
On-demand learning
Tuition reimbursement
Paid time off
Parental leave
Flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)
Volunteer opportunities