Senior Automation Engineer

At Tetra Pak we commit to making food safe and available, everywhere; and we protect what's good – protecting food, protecting people, and protecting the planet. By doing so we touch millions of people's lives every day.

And we need people like you to make it happen.

We empower you to reach your potential with opportunities to make an impact to be proud of – for food, people and the planet.

Job Summary

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and interpersonal skills and will bring expertise in automation tools with a commitment to customer focus, quality and innovation. This person will impact on the organization by being a recognized leader and proactive problem solver, while showing the enthusiasm for the company. This is an opportunity to interface with our extensive customer base and provide industry-leading processing solutions. The Senior Automation Engineer will report to the Team Leader Automation Engineering.
The position is based in Vernon Hills, IL.
You will be required to travel to client sites in U.S and Canada 35% of your time for start up/commissioning required.
Tetra Pak is not considering applicants who require International relocation to the United States.
Tetra Pak is not sponsoring work visas or relocation for this position.

What you will do

As a Senior Automation Engineer you will:

• Develop and track project program & engineering resource requirements including design, installation, and commissioning tasks.
• Report to the Project Manager for project & program related tasks including budget control, progress reports & forecasting.
• Interface with account managers and customers to assess the customer requirements and thereby create cost-effective quotations.
• Analyze, design, develop, and implement an automation solution including database, reports, HMI and PLC programs to meet project requirements.
• Configure control system including PLC and the HMI/SCADA system.
• Finalize automation options such as distributed I/O and/or control field bus networks, etc.
• Design, test and configure control panels, motor control centers, Ethernet networks, ASI networks, and pneumatic circuits, for automation systems.
• Development electrical single line diagrams and schematics as required.
• Configure valve tops, variable frequency drives and motor starters.
• Ensure all automation designs implemented comply with UL508A, Code of Practice, Client Electrical Standards, and any other regulatory requirements.
• Participate in design reviews and safety risk assessments.
• Manage automation activities on site for installation, commissioning, and performance testing phases.
• Commission food processing automation systems.
• Conduct automation training for customer personnel on the installed systems.

We believe you have

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering/Automation Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience with processing area automation systems required.
• High proficiency with PLC, HMI and Database programming required.
• High proficiency with Tetra Pak® Factory OS™ preferred.
• Proficiency with FactoryTalk View SE HMI development preferred.
• Ignition Platform knowledge is a plus
• Working knowledge of ISA-S88 and S95 preferred.
• Previous experience in the food or dairy industry required.
• Experience with Servers, Visual Basic, SQL databases, Virtual Machines & VMware preferred.
• Good level of design skill and troubleshooting capability of electrical (up to 600 VAC) and pneumatic systems required.
• Strong, positive oral & written communication skills both internally & with customers required.

Pay Equity

Tetra Pak provides the following compensation range that in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Ranges are determined by role, level and location. Within the range, individual pay is defined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
This compensation range is based on a full-time schedule. The estimate displayed is just one component of Tetra Pak's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards include annual performance bonus, competitive benefits, and work-related allowances.

• Annual Base Salary Range (ABS): $83,700.00 – $119,500.00 USD
• Short-term Incentive/Bonus (Variable Pay): Eligible to performance incentive of 10% of ABS
• Benefits: 401k company match, paid time off, paid holidays, Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, Paid parental leave and much more!

We Offer You

• A variety of exciting challenges with ample opportunities for development and training in a truly global landscape
• A culture that pioneers a spirit of innovation where our industry experts drive visible results
• An equal opportunity employment experience that values diversity and inclusion
• Market competitive compensation and benefits with flexible working arrangements

Apply Now

If you are inspired to be part of our promise to protect what’s good; for food, people, and the planet, apply through our careers page at .

This job posting expires on November 25, 2025 .

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is an everyday part of how we work. We give people a place to belong and support to thrive, an environment where everyone can be comfortable being themselves and has equal opportunities to grow and succeed. We embrace difference, celebrate people for who they are, and for the diversity they bring that helps us better understand and connect with our customers and communities worldwide.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.