I and C Engineering Manager – Food Processing Plants

The I&C Engineering Manager – Food Processing Plants is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of instrumentation and control systems across processing and packaging lines. This leadership role ensures high reliability, regulatory compliance, and supports digital transformation in food manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities & Focus Areas:

1. Instrumentation & Control System Strategy

• Lead the strategy and standardization of I&C systems for mixing, cooking, chilling, pasteurization, CIP/SIP, and packaging processes.

• Develop long-term roadmaps for system upgrades, modernization, and smart factory initiatives.

• Ensure integration with automation platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, ABB, Schneider) and industry-specific control needs.

2. Process Instrumentation Management

• Select, calibrate, and maintain process instruments (temperature, pressure, flow, level, pH, conductivity, etc.).

• Oversee integration with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and MES systems for reliable data acquisition and control.

• Ensure sensor placement, signal integrity, and system redundancy for process-critical applications.

3. Compliance, Safety & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with food safety standards (GMP, HACCP, FSMA, ISO 22000, FDA regulations).

• Implement and maintain alarm management systems, fail-safe mechanisms, and emergency shutdown logic.

• Lead validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) and documentation for instrumentation systems in regulated environments.

4. Digital Integration & Data Analytics

• Enable integration with enterprise-level systems (ERP, LIMS, QMS, CMMS) for traceability and analytics.

• Drive initiatives in real-time data monitoring, historian systems, and predictive maintenance using I/O data.

• Support OEE monitoring, process optimization, and digital dashboards.

5. Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead I&C scope for capital projects, new line installations, and plant expansions.

• Manage FAT/SAT processes, system commissioning, and technical vendor engagement.

• Ensure proper handover, documentation, and operator training.

6. Team Management & Collaboration

• Supervise I&C engineers, technicians, and contractors across multiple lines or sites.

• Collaborate with operations, quality, maintenance, IT/OT, and safety teams to align control system goals.

• Develop SOPs, training modules, and engineering standards to upskill team members.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong expertise in process instrumentation, control logic, automation systems, and food safety standards

• Proven leadership in multi-line or multi-site food plant environments

• Hands-on experience with DCS, PLC/HMI programming, SCADA, and MES integration

• Working knowledge of ISA standards (ISA-88/95), PID tuning, and loop analysis

• Experience in regulatory audits, validation, and documentation protocols

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Instrumentation, Electrical, Automation, or Control Systems Engineering

• 10+ years of relevant experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role in the food industry

• Certifications in automation platforms, food safety standards, or project management (PMP) preferred

• Familiarity with CIP/SIP systems, hygienic design, and cleanroom instrumentation is a plus