Automation & Controls Engineer (On-Site)

Rhino Foods Inc · Burlington, VT

Level: Engineer
Team: Controls
Base pay: $90k–$115k
Degree: Preferred
Experience asked: 4+ years
Industry: Industrial
Posted: Recently

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Rhino Foods Inc (industrial) in Burlington, VT. Design, develop, and implement automation and control systems that optimize manufacturing processes, packaging operations, and equipment performance.

They ask for: 4+ years · degree preferred
Tools it names: Root cause, FDA / GMP, PLC, Robotics, Automation
Base pay: $90k–$115k

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

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

Controls Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $97k–$143k. This one lists $90k–$115k.

Median of the low and high ends of 252 live postings that list pay, out of 735 controls engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

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

How this role compares

Against 734 other live controls postings in the US.

Base pay: About 14% below similar roles
Experience asked: Less than usual (4+ vs 5+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ Automation 74%
✓ PLC 68%
✓ Robotics 42%
Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 27%
✓ Root cause 27%

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

Stands out: this posting asks for FDA / GMP, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 4+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

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 Rhino Foods Inc
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.

Full description from Rhino Foods IncAs posted on their careers site.Show

What you'll need to succeed

✓Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred.
✓4+years of experience in manufacturing, food & beverage, engineering, operations, technology, or another industrial environment.
✓Hands-on experience programming, troubleshooting, and supporting automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, motion controls, robotics, and industrial networking protocols.
✓Experience with machine networking, Ethernet/IP, VPN, VNC, and industrial communication systems.
✓Working knowledge of electrical engineering principles, control systems, motor drives, and automation hardware.
✓Ability to analyze complex technical issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
✓Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and adapt to changing business needs.
✓Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively with employees, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
✓Familiarity with food manufacturing processes, GMPs, HACCP, food safety standards, and regulatory

requirements

is preferred.

✓Curiosity and willingness to learn emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools that support automation programming, analytics, and system monitoring.
✓Collaborative approach and ability to thrive in an environment that values teamwork, knowledge sharing, inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.
✓Ability to utilize email, Microsoft applications, engineering software, and other technology tools to effectively communicate and collaborate across teams, departments, and shifts.

Requirements

The wage listed here reflects our best-faith estimate for this role. We pay competitively and base compensation on a variety of factors, including skills, experience, industry background, and the evolving needs of the role. We remain committed to fair and equitable pay, and we're happy to discuss during the interview process.

Show full description ↓

Description

As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to be part of something truly special – crafting delicious food that brings joy to people's lives. You'll play a vital role in upholding stringent food safety standards, ensuring top-notch product quality, and collaboratively achieving our goals alongside our dedicated team. Moreover, as a family-owned certified B Corporation, you'll actively engage with our broader community, with a strong focus on enhancing employee satisfaction and fostering community engagement. Join us on our journey not only to create exceptional food but also to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees and the communities we serve.

We're looking for a collaborative and technically skilled Automation & Controls Engineer to join our Engineering team. Reporting to the Manager of Maintenance and Engineering, you'll play a key role in designing, implementing, and supporting automation and control systems that drive safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations. From PLC programming and machine networking to process optimization, troubleshooting, and project management, you'll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of automation initiatives that improve productivity, product quality, and equipment performance. Working closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams, you'll help identify opportunities for continuous improvement while supporting the technologies that keep our operations running smoothly.

Automation Systems Design & Integration

•Design, develop, and implement automation and control systems that optimize manufacturing processes, packaging operations, and equipment performance.
•Program, test, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, drives, and industrial control networks to support safe and reliable operations.
•Integrate new technologies and equipment into existing systems, ensuring compatibility, scalability, and seamless operation across the facility.

Process Optimization & Operational Support

•Partner with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
•Diagnose complex automation and controls issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective and preventive solutions.
•Apply machine networking, electrical controls, motor drives, and automation expertise to improve the reliability and performance of manufacturing systems.

Project Leadership & Continuous Improvement

•Lead automation and controls projects from concept through implementation, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, vendor coordination, and execution.
•Develop and maintain technical documentation, including electrical schematics, operating procedures, control narratives, and troubleshooting guides.
•Evaluate emerging technologies and automation solutions to support innovation, operational excellence, and future business needs.

Safety, Compliance & Training

•Support compliance with food safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including GMP, HACCP, and applicable industry standards.
•Apply cybersecurity and machine safety best practices, including safety circuits, interlocks, and lockout/tagout procedures, to protect people and equipment.
•Train and support employees on automation systems, controls, and troubleshooting processes while fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous learning.