unilever

Ice Cream Controls & Automation Engineer

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Life tastes better with ice cream

With 19.000 expert ice cream colleagues and iconic brands like Wall’s, Cornetto and Ben & Jerry’s, loved in 76 countries, we are the world’s largest Ice Cream company leading the industry.

We create iconic ice cream brands that are part of everyday life, bringing moments of joy to millions of people around the world. Everybody loves ice cream. And as the world’s biggest pure‑play ice cream company, we have the scale and ambition to make a real difference.

What truly sets us apart is how we work.

We move fast and keep things simple. We turn ideas into action, trust people to take ownership, and work as one team to win together with integrity. Our culture is high‑performance, collaborative and focused on getting things done.

We’re curious and ready for what’s next. We embrace digital, use data to make better decisions, and keep learning, including how AI can help us work smarter and serve consumers better.

Job Title: Controls & Automation Engineer

Location: Covington, TN

Terms: This is a full-time project-based assignment that is anticipated to last 2 years. The selected individual will be eligible to apply to available internal opportunities following completion of the project, although no continued employment is guaranteed.

THE ROLE:

We are seeking a skilled Controls & Automation Engineer to support and enhance manufacturing operations through automation, process control, and digital integration.


This role is critical in integrating and synchronizing equipment from multiple OEM vendors into a single, seamless ice cream production line, ensuring all systems communicate effectively and operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. The role will support design, integration, commissioning, startup, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems.

WHAT YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

  • Design, develop, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems aligned with OEM and site team.
  • Lead integration and synchronization of equipment from multiple OEM vendors into a seamless end-to-end ice cream production line
  • Align control philosophies, communication protocols, interlocks, and sequencing across all vendor systems
  • Ensure smooth operation of the full production line including startup, shutdown, changeovers, and steady-state performance
  • Coordinate system interfaces across processing, packaging, utilities, and ancillary equipment to eliminate functional gaps
  • Support and lead automation scope for capital projects, including line installations, upgrades, and expansions
  • Work closely with OEMs, engineering teams, and site stakeholders to deliver fully integrated and optimized systems
  • Support commissioning activities including FAT, SAT, site integration testing, and performance validation
  • Troubleshoot and resolve automation, controls, and system integration issues to ensure reliable operations
  • Optimize control logic and system performance to improve efficiency, throughput, and consistency
  • Integrate plant automation systems with MES, ERP systems, historians, and data platforms
  • Support development of digital solutions, data collection systems, and performance dashboards
  • Provide technical support to operations and maintenance teams for automation-related issues
  • Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for control systems
  • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) to improve equipment reliability and system uptime
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, waste reduction, and operational efficiency
  • Develop and maintain automation documentation including control architecture, electrical drawings, functional design specifications, and SOPs
  • Standardize automation systems and ensure compatibility across different platforms and technologies
  • Support EEM (Early Equipment Management) and MOC processes for equipment and system changes

WE'RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO…

  • Thinks end-to-end and takes ownerships for results
  • Is comfortable working in a fast-moving, evolving organization
  • Values collaboration, clarity and low-ego ways of working

Skills, Experiences & Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field
  • 3–7 years of experience in automation/controls engineering in manufacturing
  • Strong experience with:
  • PLC programming
  • HMI/SCADA systems
  • Industrial communication networks
  • Proven experience in equipment integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and external OEMs
  • Knowledge of MES systems, data historians, and analytics tools (e.g., Power BI)
  • Exposure to robotics, vision systems, and advanced automation
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

WHAT YOU'LL GET:

Alongside meaningful work and strong development, we offer a reward package that typically includes:

  • Market-competitive pay and performance related rewards
  • Flexible ways of working
  • Support for health, wellbeing and life outside of work
  • Time off to rest and recharge
  • Ongoing learning and development opportunities
  • Medical, dental and (where applicable) vision coverage
  • Health and wellbeing support, including employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives
  • Health-related savings and spending accounts
  • Retirement savings programs with a competitive matching plan
  • Additional employee perks (e.g., corporate discounts, commuter or learning support)

Benefits vary by country and are subject to plan terms and eligibility.

#TMICC

Why join us?

This is a place for people who are passionate about ice cream and are growth obsessed - both for the business and for themselves. People who act like an owner and drive our business end-to-end. People who are driven by success to deliver more than we ever thought we could!

You’ll thrive here if you value an inclusive culture, with low ego and hierarchy - and if you’re excited to continuously learn and challenge how we work, using digital, data, and new thinking to push us forward.

- Roles with real accountability and visible impact

- Free to move fast, experiment and challenge how things are done

- Continuous learning and development as the business grows

- Reward linked to performance and contribution.

Your career here is shaped by what you deliver, as you work across functions and markets and grow with the business.

Ready to build the future of Ice Cream?

If this sounds like the place where you'd thrive, we'd love to hear from you. Apply online and share your CV. We'll review your application and be in touch with the next steps.

If you are an individual with a disability and require assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please let your Talent Acquisition Partner know.

Additional information

The Magnum Ice Cream Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.


For more information about your Federal rights, please see Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal and Pay Transparency Non discrimination Provision.

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

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.