Controls Engineer

BrightFarms Is The Place To Grow!At BrightFarms, we're on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don't just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of eight high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms. From seed to leaf we grow lettuce smarter, with less space, no pesticides and protected inside, so it's better for the planet and way better for humans. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 4,500 retail stores across the East Coast, Midwest, and South.Controls EngineerWe are seeking a Controls Engineer to support and enhance automation systems across our hydroponic lettuce greenhouse operations. This is a site based and traveling role that spans growing systems, facility infrastructure, and packaging equipment, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and product quality from seed to shipment. The ideal candidate will help design, maintain, and improve control systems that integrate environmental controls, irrigation, harvesting, and automated packaging processes. Experience with agricultural controls systems is preferred.Specifically, you will:Design and develop control systems for automated equipment and processes including packaging automation and greenhouse growing infrastructureProgram and configure PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systemsDevelop electrical schematics, panel layouts, and I/O listsIntegrate sensors, actuators, and IoT devices into centralized control systemsWork closely with all engineering groups, support teams, and manufacturing, to assure accurate integration and on time completion of options, modifications and new designsWrite, test, and debug PLC programs using ladder logic, structured text, or function blockIntegrate control systems with robotics, motion control, and third-party equipmentConfigure industrial communication networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, etc.)Support MES or higher-level system integration when applicableTravel or provide remote support to one of our three sites (TX, GA, IL) or future farms to diagnose and resolve control system issues in a timely mannerParticipate in a 24 hour on-call rotation with other team members to support farms during night and weekend shiftsProvide technical support to maintenance and operations teamsParticipate in root cause analysis and implement corrective actionsMaintain system backups and documentationCreate documentation for new controls systems and processesLead or support commissioning of new equipment and system upgradesIndependently set milestones, budgets, and timelines for project executionEffectively communicate project health and changes in status to leadership team members and aid in adjusting master schedule prioritiesCoordinate and communicate with vendors to support system integration, procurement, and troubleshooting activitiesMonitors assigned project status and reports progress and obstacles to management as required to complete tasks on schedule and within budgetValidate system performance through testing and troubleshootingIdentify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and safetyImplement upgrades and modifications to existing control systemsThe Ideal Candidate:Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience)Experience with PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar)Familiarity with HMI/SCADA systemsStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsStrong understanding of electrical systems and industrial automation principlesAbility to work across mechanical, electrical, and software systemsDemonstrates the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with a wide range of groups and individualsProactively communicate delays, concerns, and critical issues to appropriate stakeholdersBased on site 2-3 days per week at one of our existing facilities (Macon, GA; Yorkville, IL; or Lorena, TX) with routine travel to the other two facilities50%-75% travel5 years in industrial automation or controls engineeringPreferred Qualifications:Experience with agricultural or greenhouse control systemsExperience with multiple PLC platforms, including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, and other industrial automation systemsKnowledge of environmental control systems such as Hoogendorn, Priva and greenhouse HVAC, irrigation, fertigation systemsExperience with industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.)Programming experience (e.g., Python, structured text, ladder logic)Exposure to robotics or automated packaging systemsWork Environment:Combination of greenhouse (warm, humid) and industrial production settingsHands-on work with equipment, control panels, and field devicesMay require occasional off-hours support for critical systemsBrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.