Senior Automation & Controls Engineer - Food & Beverage

Job Description

US Residency Requirement:

Applicants must be U.S. residents and hold a valid U.S. work permit.

Description:

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to join their Food & Beverage division in Kansas City, Missouri. This position leads the design and execution of automation and controls systems for small to large-scale EPC projects across industries such as food, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, aerospace, and industrial facilities. The engineer will oversee controls design, commissioning, and startup activities while guiding multidisciplinary teams and managing client relationships.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with company and site safety standards.
• Lead and execute automation and controls design for EPC projects.
• Supervise teams of engineers, specialists, and designers to deliver automation solutions.
• Develop and implement PLC, HMI, MES, and server/virtualization software design deliverables.
• Prepare control system documentation, including device lists, I/O lists, control narratives, and panel layouts.
• Specify and procure control panels and instrumentation; lead vendor FATs.
• Design electrical systems (480VAC and below) including equipment and power distribution.
• Define process instrumentation (temperature, pressure, flow, level, etc.) and select appropriate control technologies.
• Review P&IDs and collaborate with process engineers for proper controls integration.
• Develop and review engineering calculations, studies, and reports.
• Interface with offsite teams to coordinate deliverables and ensure quality standards.
• Provide oversight during construction, testing, and startup activities.
• Lead development of project estimates, budgets, and schedules.
• Manage client relationships and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Mentor junior engineers and assist with staffing and hiring decisions.
• Participate in business development, proposal reviews, and client meetings.
• Comply with all company policies and ensure adherence to engineering best practices.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (ABET-accredited)
• Minimum 7 years of electrical engineering experience (6 years with Master’s degree).
• Successful completion of FE Exam.
• Proficiency in automation systems (PLC, HMI, MES, SCADA).
• Strong understanding of ANSI, IEEE, and other electrical standards.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• TWIC eligibility.

Preferred:

• PE License.
• Experience with Rockwell, Siemens, GE, and Modicon PLCs.
• Knowledge of FactoryTalk, Wonderware, and Ignition software.
• Familiarity with MES platforms (ThingWorx, Parsec TrakSYS, Ignition/Sepasoft).
• Experience in safety system design (SIS, BMS, SIF) per ISA/IEC 61511 and ISO13849.
• Experience using PlantPAX, PackML, SISTEMA, CCW, and BatchSIM.

Perks:

• Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP)
• Annual Bonus Program
• Professional Development and Leadership Training
• Relocation Assistance
• Travel Opportunities (25%)
• Hybrid Work Flexibility
• Involvement in High-Impact, Cross-Industry EPC Projects
• Career Growth through Mentorship and Client-Facing Experience