Lead Engineer Controls (Onsite)
Role Overview
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)
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
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)
- Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.
- Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.
- 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.
- If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.
- Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
- 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.
About Tyson Foods
Global protein-focused food company producing meat and prepared products.
Visit company websiteJobs and hiring trendsApply for this job in 1 click
Skip the repetitive application forms
Install the Base Career Chrome Extension and autofill job applications across major job boards with your profile.
Trusted by over 500,000 job seekers on Base Career
More from this employer
More jobs at Tyson Foods
FSQA Technician 5- Grannis, AR- 1st Shift
Grannis, USA
Dispatch Monitor - MH Dept. 522
Holcomb, USA
Supervisor Maintenance - A Shift - Dakota City
Dakota City, USA
Manager Carcass Merchandising - Dakota City Plant
Dakota City, USA
Maintenance Electrical Technician 6- 2nd shift
Fayetteville, USA
Foreign Object Liaison - Proc A Dept. 970
Holcomb, USA
Warehouse Supervisor - 2nd Shift
Caseyville, USA
Senior Controller (Poutry)
Springdale, USA