Controls & Automation Engineer - Process Components

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Controls & Automation Engineer – Process Components to play a key role in developing next-generation smart, connected technologies for the food and beverage industry. You will lead innovation at the intersection of automation, electronics, and IIoT, helping shape the future of SPX FLOW’s hygienic components, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and other processing equipment.

This role provides the opportunity to influence product strategy, architect modern connectivity solutions ((IO‑Link, AS‑i, OPC UA, MQTT) and collaborate closely with global engineering teams. If you enjoy tackling complex technical challenges and driving meaningful product advancements, this position offers impactful, highly visible work across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Control System Design




• Clarify detailed requirements and develop specifications for hardware and software used in electronic modules for valve control units interfacing with process PLC system communications.


• Design and configure valve control units, including position sensing feedback, air solenoid selection, adaptation onto pneumatic actuators, and seamless integration with automation systems.


• Lead the development of control unit hardware and firmware in close collaboration with external development partners and component manufacturers. This includes:

• PCB hardware design, with CAD layout system (Eagle, Altium, etc.)


• Software design using programming languages such as C/C++ for µ-controllers.


• Application and implementation of industrial communication protocols (AS-Interface, IO-Link, Direct Connect, DeviceNet, ProfiBus, ProfiNet).

• Develop PLC/HMI programs, control narratives, I/O lists, and instrumentation specifications.


• Create and execute verification test plans on functional samples and final production parts.


• Development of PC-based interface programs (e.g., Toolbox) for valve control unit setup and diagnostics.




• IoT & Connectivity




• Select or design IIoT solutions for process components like pumps, valves, and heat exchangers.


• Architect IIoT system solutions for real-time performance monitoring and predictive maintenance.


• Implement industrial communication protocols: OPC UA, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, MQTT.


• Configure digital valve control units using AS-i, IO-Link, or other device-level bus networks.




• Project Leadership




• Manage automation and product development projects from concept through industrial release, validation, and hand-off to manufacturing.


• Perform risk assessments, hazard analysis, and participate in design reviews to ensure product safety and reliability.




• Collaboration & Support




• Work closely with process, electrical, and mechanical engineers.


• Provide technical mentorship and troubleshooting support across internal operations and test labs as well as external channel partners and end-users.


• Engage directly with customers and suppliers to clarify requirements, provide technical support, and represent the engineering team in commercial discussions.

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  • Participate in customer meetings, launch/kick-off meetings, design reviews, and progress reviews.
  
  
  • Serve as the team’s subject matter expert on electrical regulations and standards for process equipment, ensuring designs comply with relevant global and regional requirements (e.g., FM, NEC, UL/CSA, ATEX/IECEx for hazardous locations, and applicable food & beverage equipment electrical safety standards).
  
  
  • Provide guidance during design reviews, participate in compliance assessments, and support certification activities with internal teams and external agencies.
  
  
  • Communicate information to stakeholders in a timely fashion
  
  
  • Support other functions such as Supply Chain (specifications, supplier quote reviews), Process Design (functional requirements), and Electrical Design (I/O list sharing, panel allocation, addressing standards).
  
  
  • Perform other product development related duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, and/or other related discipline Engineering.


• 5+ years of experience in automation for food, beverage, or sanitary industries.


• Expertise in PLC programming and HMI/SCADA platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware).


• Strong knowledge of electronic design concepts, including circuit design, PCBA layout, digital signal processing, and microcontroller programming


• Experience with valve control units and integration with automation systems.


• Familiarity with IoT/IIoT platforms, industrial communication protocols, and component-level connectivity


• Understanding of CIP/SIP processes and food safety regulations.


• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with pumps, valves, and heat exchanger automation or component development.


• Hands-on commissioning and validation experience on-site at end-users.


• Background in new product development process to develop control components with hardware and software.


• Experience with hazardous-location compliance, (ATEX/IECEx), functional safety assessments, or equipment certification pathways.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

In general, this is an office-based job with a considerable amount of time spent at a computer.  Ability to travel to other SPX FLOW locations and customer sites is a requirement.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Ability to travel globally up to approximately 10% of the time.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SPX FLOW VALUES

SPX Flow employees are expected to behave in accordance with our company values as outlined below.

QUALITY

Quality encompasses all aspects of SPX’s business, and every employee shares the responsibility to prevent the occurrence of any nonconformity relating to product, process and the quality system.  All employees have an obligation to identify and record any such nonconformity, and through designed channels, initiate and recommend solutions.