Controls & Automation Engineer at Unilever in Chicago, IL

Controls & Automation Engineer

Location: Chicago, IL

Position Summary
The Controls & Automation Project Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, commissioning, and continuous improvement of automation, controls, and digital manufacturing systems. This role leads capital projects and technical initiatives that improve safety, reliability, quality, productivity, and operating costs across manufacturing operations.
The engineer serves as the technical lead for PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial network, instrumentation, robotics, and digital factory systems while partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and external vendors to deliver projects on time and within budget. This role aligns with industry best practices for automation, cyber security, process control, and project management.
Key Responsibilities
Automation & Controls Leadership
• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, servo, and motion control systems.
• Develop automation standards and control philosophies for manufacturing processes.
• Lead commissioning, startup, FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and validation activities for new equipment and systems.
• Support factory automation infrastructure including industrial networking, remote access, and control system architecture.
• Improve process performance through advanced controls and automation technologies.
Capital Project Management
• Manage automation and controls projects from concept through startup and handover.
• Develop equipment specifications, URS documents, project scopes, and technical standards.
• Create project schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
• Coordinate contractors, system integrators, OEMs, and internal stakeholders.
• Deliver projects safely, OTIF (On Time In Full), and within approved budgets.
Process Improvement & Reliability
• Identify opportunities to improve OEE, waste, throughput, energy consumption, and labor efficiency through automation.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for major equipment failures.
• Optimize machine performance using data analytics and process monitoring tools.
• Support reliability initiatives and predictive maintenance programs.
Digital Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
• Support implementation of digital factory technologies and smart manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop dashboards, reporting tools, and automated performance monitoring systems.
• Integrate manufacturing systems with business and enterprise applications.
• Leverage IIoT, data historians, and analytics platforms to improve decision making.
Cyber Security & Compliance
• Ensure automation systems comply with corporate cyber security standards.
• Support network segmentation, backup strategies, disaster recovery, and system security initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with GMP, Food Safety, OSHA, electrical codes, and site safety standards.
• Participate in risk assessments, machine safety reviews, and process hazard evaluations.
Technical Leadership
• Provide technical coaching and training to maintenance technicians, engineers, and operations personnel.
• Develop and maintain electrical drawings, software backups, documentation, and control narratives.
• Establish equipment standards and best practices across the facility.
• Act as the site subject matter expert for controls and automation systems
• Provide technical support as part of C&A team for 24/7 factory operation as required.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 3 to 7 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing project engineering.
• Experience with food, beverage, consumer goods, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing automation-related capital projects.
Technical Skills
Required
• PLC Programming (Rockwell, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
• HMI/SCADA systems
• Industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus)
• Instrumentation and process control
• Electrical troubleshooting
• VFDs, motor controls, and MCC systems
• Project management and contractor coordination
Preferred
• FactoryTalk View
• FactoryTalk Batch
• FactoryTalk AssetCentre
• OSI PI
• Robotics and vision inspection systems
• SQL databases and reporting tools
• Power BI, PowerApps, or automation dashboard development
• ISA, PMP, TÜV, or related certifications
Key Competencies
• Safety Leadership
• Project Management
• Technical Problem Solving
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Continuous Improvement
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Communication & Influence
• Change Management
• Digital & Automation Innovation
Success Measures
The Controls & Automation Project Engineer will be measured by:
• Safety performance and compliance
• OTIF capital project delivery
• OEE improvement
• Downtime reduction
• Waste reduction
• Automation system reliability
• Cyber security compliance
• Cost savings delivered
• Training and capability development of site personnel
• Successful deployment of digital manufacturing technologies

Pay: The pay range for this position is $88,600 to $133,000. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible.

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

------------------------------------

At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities.

For more information on your federal rights, please see Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at NA.Accommodations@unilever.com. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.