Controls Engineer (25–30% Travel – Global Commissioning)
Location: Greater Reading Area, PA
Travel: Approximately 25–30% (Domestic and International)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reading Bakery Systems (RBS) is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission industrial PLC-based control systems for custom food processing machinery. This is a hands-on role with ownership from design through startup, including direct customer interaction.
Company Description
Reading Bakery Systems is a global leader in the baked snack food industry, known for delivering innovative process solutions for pretzels, crackers, biscuits, and other snack foods. Through its trusted brands—including Thomas L. Green, Reading Pretzel, Reading Thermal, and Exact Mixing—the company provides advanced, reliable equipment tailored to customer needs.
At the Science & Innovation Center, RBS collaborates with customers to develop new products, improve processes, and stay at the forefront of food production technology. Our scientific approach and commitment to excellence ensure industry-leading support and innovation worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI control systems for industrial baking, mixing, and sheeting machinery
* Commission and start up equipment at customer facilities (local and global)
* Simulate, test, and debug control systems in-house prior to shipment (FATs)
* Provide on-site and remote technical support for automation and control systems
* Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, service, sales, vendors, and customers
* Develop electrical documentation, control specifications, and bills of material (BOMs)
* Select and size control components (VFDs, servo drives, motors, sensors, safety devices, power supplies)
* Support machine upgrades, improvements, and system optimization
* Manage assigned projects, timelines, and deliverables
Required Skills & Experience
* 4+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering
* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field preferred
* Experience in commissioning industrial control systems, preferably within bakery or food processing equipment
* Must have the ability to travel domestically and internationally without restrictions
* Hands-on experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley (Siemens experience a plus)
* Experience with PLC programming, HMI development, and system commissioning
* Working knowledge of VFDs, servo systems, motion control, and industrial networks
* Comfortable working independently and in customer-facing environments
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
Travel & Work Environment
* Approximately 25–30% domestic and international travel to customer sites
* Work in manufacturing and food production environments (equipment includes industrial ovens; high-temperature conditions may be present)
* Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in manufacturing environments
**Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.**