Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Conagra Brands · Russellville, AR

Apply on Conagra Brands ↗

Level: Senior
Team: Controls
Base pay: $82k–$120k
Degree: Preferred
Experience asked: 8+ years
Industry: Food & beverage
Posted: 30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A senior controls role at Conagra Brands (food & beverage) in Russellville, AR.

They ask for: 8+ years · degree preferred
Tools it names: FDA / GMP, PLC, Automation
Base pay: $82k–$120k

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in Arkansas: typical posted base $82k–$120k. This one lists $82k–$120k.

Median of the low and high ends of 5 live postings that list pay, out of 10 controls engineer openings in Arkansas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Arkansas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 9 other live controls postings in Arkansas.

Experience asked: Typical (8+ years)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ PLC 80%
✓ Automation 60%
Robotics 50%
✓ Team leadership 20%
MES 20%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 8+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Training programPromotion path mentioned

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Conagra Brands
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Conagra Brands in Russellville

2 other open roles at this site.

Maintenance Supervisor - 3rd Shift · Reliability · Supervisor
Production Supervisor - 2nd Shift · Production · Supervisor

Full description from Conagra BrandsAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

◆Provide daily automation support to Operations and Facilities teams
◆Execute automation-related projects from planning through implementation
◆Develop and maintain Automation, Electrical, and Instrumentation work priority lists in collaboration with cross-functional partners
◆Create and implement training programs to support development of the automation workforce
◆Align site information technology and operational technology infrastructure, programming, and equipment with company standards
◆Participate in Production Cell Daily Direction Setting meetings
◆Contribute as an active member of Early Management or Preventative Maintenance pillar teams
◆Support automation equipment obsolescence planning in partnership with pillar teams
◆Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards and site policies
◆Promote safe work practices and ensure work is completed safely and efficiently
◆Maintain quality and completeness of work deliverables
◆Communicate effectively across teams and stakeholders
◆Provide support outside of regular hours as needed for critical operations

Ingredients Required for Your Success

✓5–8 years of programmable logic controller (PLC) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition programming experience required, with Allen Bradley and Ignition preferred
✓Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electronics, Information Technology, Programming, or a related technical field preferred
✓Experience in regulated manufacturing environments such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or Process Safety Management preferred
✓Experience in manufacturing or process engineering environments preferred
✓Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to collaborate across stakeholders
✓Apply engineering principles to solve complex problems and interpret technical instructions
✓Read and analyze safety rules, blueprints, electrical schematics, and piping and instrumentation diagrams, with solid knowledge of electrical and electronic principles
✓Experience with human-machine interfaces (HMIs), servo controllers, variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, and process instrumentation
✓Proficiency in standard computer programs including email and Microsoft Office

Physical

Requirements

More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical

Show full description ↓

Reporting to the Plant Engineering Manager, you will develop and execute Automation, Electrical, and Instrumentation projects to support site performance goals. You will provide technical support, troubleshooting, and problem-solving for automation systems while partnering with Operations and Facilities teams to maintain reliable and compliant processes across the site.

A Taste of Your

below may apply

You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination.

You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size.

This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary.

Pay Range:$82,000-$120,000

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.