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For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Controls Engineer

Work Location: ​Fairfield​

Want to make an impact?

As a Controls Engineer, reporting to the Maintenance Manager, you’ll play a key role in shaping the automation and technology that power our candy production. You’ll design, maintain, and optimize control systems that keep our equipment running efficiently, reliably, and safely helping us deliver consistently high-quality products. Working closely with maintenance, engineering, and production teams, you’ll troubleshoot complex systems, implement innovative solutions, and drive continuous improvement across the plant.  

Ways you will make a difference

  • Designs, develops and supervises all aspects of electrical control systems, equipment and machinery. 
  • Manages the installation and support of PLC based hardware and software.  
  • Plans and manages new or modifies existing installations to minimize waste of materials, improve quality and reduce downtime.  
  • Identifies and resolves malfunctioning of equipment or systems provides technical support and guidance to maintenance and production team members.  
  • Programming Logic Controllers (PLCs) (e.g. Allen-Bradley, Siemens). Dealing with RSLogix 5000, RSLogix 500, FactoryTalk Studio, and Rslinx on regular basis. Hands on PLC controls system knowledge, PLC programming, instrument programming and integration.  
  • Configuring and designing HMI/OIT systems (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.). Program HMI and PLC ladder logic and integrate discrete/analog devices.  
  • Familiar with Industry Standards UL and CE  
  • Familiar with Vision Systems (e.g. Eagle Vision, Keyence)  
  • Familiar with various Motion Controllers/Actuators (e.g. Yasakawa, ABB, Kinetix)  
  • Familiarity with RS232 and RS485 protocol, Profibus DP/PA protocols, Variable Frequency Drive systems, Motor Control Centers, Analog and Digital signals, Low to Medium power distribution systems.  
  • Experience and skill in troubleshooting control system issues. Provide hands-on on-site support to trouble shoot existing installations, PLCs, HMIs, Instruments and VFD issues  
  • Read and understand electrical schematics, ladder logic programs, process flow diagram and process and instrumentation diagrams. 

Skills that will make you successful

  • Must have ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines  
  • Sharp, quick, dedicated and innovative problem solver  
  • Core values and continuous self-improvement  
  • Must be organized, detail oriented, and able to think designs through completely 

Experiences that will support your success

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, Engineering or Business  
  • 3 to 5 years of process industry related experience with automation control, PLC Ladder Logic programming, HMI design and configure. 

 

Physical Requirements 

Ability to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop and reach. 

Working Conditions 

This position requires knowledge and awareness of manufacturing and industrial sites. Protective gear will be required where appropriate. Position requires ability to work varying start times and weekends dependent on business needs. 

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO).  Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $95,000 - $105,000 annually.

Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.


Nearest Major Market: Sacramento
Nearest Secondary Market: Fairfield

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