Principal Engineer Controls

Reporting to the Director Engineering you'll be seen as an engineering expert and resource across the Conagra Engineering organization. You'll review requirements and work with other Engineering Disciplines to determine, and design optimized technical solutions for capital investment projects and provide technical support on equipment that may need modification or improvement. You will have a Continuous Improvement mindset - recommending and implementing improvements, modifications or additions to enhance Engineering work streams.

What You'll Do:

• Work with Platform engineering leadership to develop annual and 3 year capital plans by recommending system improvements and solutions that are proven in both concept and performance.
• Helps develop Front-End-Load capital project estimates (FEL1 and FEL3) that are complete, concise, and reflect thorough due diligence to ensure project success.
• Provide technology assessments and best-in-class industry solutions for successful project execution.
• Provide factor floor infrastructure requirements and needs assessments.
• Help with preliminary Capital and Expense cost estimating.
• Work with the Engineering Project Managers to develop design schedules that meets project requirements.
• Review equipment and system performance criteria.
• Support the Process and Packaging engineering disciplines with Factory and Site Acceptance Tests of new equipment
• Identify project pre-requisites, alternative solutions, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Complete functional control descriptions for the unit operations and systems designed/developed by the Engineer.
• Develop and review Technical Briefs providing technical guidance to project team.
• Develop Business Case Screening scopes and estimates to give the business a directional view of a project and the robustness of the business case.
• Keep current with latest industry regulations and codes relative to equipment system design and operation.
• Provide technical and economic feasibility to other groups within Conagra Brands that are focused on improvements to the current state and developing competitive advantages against our peers.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
• 7+ years of experience in electrical/control system design
• 5+ years of experience in Rockwell Automation Controls Systems.
• Operations and manufacturing conceptual design
• Advanced proficiency in manufacturing automation systems knowledge with a focus on Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley control systems including: Networking concepts, PLCs, VFDs, Servo Systems, HMIs.
• Expert level HMI Visualization and Database (SQL Server) integration knowledge and associated system applications with a variety of Industry products: Inductive Automation (Ignition), Rockwell Software, Aveva (Wonderware).
• Experience with Advanced Process and Packaging Controls experience including: Robotic Packaging Systems. Batching Systems and CIP Systems
• Project leadership and execution knowledge as it relates to large System Integration projects and programs.
• Experience leading internal initiatives and programs.
• Advanced Computer System, Network Integration, IT Systems and Cyber Security knowledge and experience a plus.
• Possess the capability to visualize, formulate, and accomplish long term (3+ years) goals and initiatives.
• Experience recognizing improvements are needed and taking the initiative to implement those improvements.
• This position is located in Omaha NE, Chicago IL, select field locations or remote locations Denver, CO and east and within reasonable proximity (50 miles) to a major airport
• We ask that you are open to up to 30% travel

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Compensation: 

Pay Range:$107,000-$156,000

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee’s actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees’ equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

• Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
• Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
• Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company:

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye ®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.

Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

Client-provided location(s): Chicago, IL

Job ID: 15395_Req-034486

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2025-08-31T00:00:00