Sr. Automation and Controls Engineer
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
Cresco Labs is one of the largest public vertically integrated multistate operators in the cannabis industry. Our portfolio of in-house cultivated and manufactured brands features some of the highest quality most awarded and most popular cannabis products in America. With dozens of locations nationwide our owned and operated Sunnyside dispensaries provide a welcoming positive judgement-free place to shop for anyone at any point on their cannabis journey.
Founded in 2013 Cresco Labs mission is to normalize and professionalize cannabis through our passionate employees. As stewards of the cannabis industry our teams are constantly focused on supporting the needs of our fellow colleagues consumers customers and communities alike. With a focus on Social Equity and Educational Development our SEEDTM initiative ensures that our company reflects the communities in which we serve ensuring equal opportunity for all to have the knowledge and resources to work in and own businesses in cannabis.
At Cresco Labs we aim to revolutionize and lead the nations cannabis industry with a focus on quality and consistency of product and to bring legitimacy to the industry with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
If youre interested in joining our mission click the below links to join our team today!
At Cresco we aim to lead the nations cannabis industry with a focus on regulatory compliance product consistency and customer satisfaction. Our operations bring legitimacy to the cannabis industry by acting with the highest level of integrity strictly adhering to regulations and promoting the clinical efficacy of cannabis. As Cresco grows we will operate with the same level of professionalism and precision in each new market we move in to.
JOB SUMMARY
The Automation & Controls Engineer is responsible for designing implementing and supporting automation and control systems across Cresco Labs manufacturing packaging and other areas. This role focuses on improving equipment reliability throughput and data visibility across lab and production environments while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
This position plays a key role in scaling operations by integrating new equipment standardizing control systems across sites and driving automation initiatives that enhance efficiency consistency and traceability.
This is a technical people-leadership role with multiple direct and indirect reporting relationships.
CORE JOB DUTIES
- Design program and maintain PLC HMI and SCADA systems
- Develop and support control systems for:
- Extraction and post-processing equipment (hydrocarbon ethanol solventless)
- Distillation refinement and formulation systems
- Automated packaging lines (filling capping labeling cartoning)
- BAS and Environmental control systems.
- Troubleshoot controls instrumentation and system integration issues to minimize downtime
- Lead integration of new manufacturing and lab equipment into site-wide control architectures
- Partner with Operations Engineering and Quality teams to ensure equipment meets performance and compliance requirements
- Drive standardization of controls platforms architectures and naming conventions across multiple Cresco facilities
- Support FAT SAT commissioning and startup activities
- Implement and maintain data collection systems for production metrics (OEE OOE throughput downtime yield)
- Support development of dashboards and reporting tools for real-time operational visibility
- Analyze system data to identify bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Develop and maintain technical documentation (control narratives IO lists P&IDs SOPs)
- Support validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ where applicable) in regulated environments
- Lead or support automation scope for capital projects expansions and line upgrades
- Develop technical specifications and coordinate with OEMs system integrators and vendors
- Manage controls-related timelines budgets and deliverables
- Support multi-site rollout of standardized automation solutions
- Ability to travel as needed to sites across the U.S. (50% or more).
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE EDUCATION AND SKILLS
- Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering Controls Engineering Mechatronics or related field
- 7 years of experience in industrial automation within manufacturing or process environments
- Hands-on PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley Rockwell Automation and/or other)
- Experience with HMI/SCADA systems (FactoryTalk Ignition or similar)
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP Modbus OPC)
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
- Experience with automated packaging systems (filling labeling vision inspection)
- Experience developing reviewing redlining and approving electrical mechanical and pneumatic schematics.
- Advanced MS Office skills.
- CAD Modeling (e.g. AutoCAD / SolidWorks) preferred.
- Knowledge of pharmaceutical guidelines (GMP GDP ASTM).
- Excellent organizational interpersonal quantitative writing and communication skills.
In accordance with any local and state compensation laws the compensation listed is the current estimated range for the position. Final offer details and future compensation may be determined by multiple factors including but not limited to geographic location market compensation data skills experience and other relevant factors. For questions about this please discuss with your recruiter during the interview process.
Pay Range
$110000 - $150000 USD
BENEFITS
Cresco Labs is proud to offer eligible employees a robust offering of benefits including major medical dental and vision insurance a 401(K)-match program FSA/HSA programs LTD/STD options life insurance and AD&D. We also offer eligible employees paid holidays and paid time off. Other rewards may include annual discretionary bonuses stock options as well as participation in our employee discount program. Benefits eligibility for permanent positions may vary by full-time or part-time roles location or position.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 21 years of age or older to apply
- Must comply with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
- The company does not offer employment-based visa sponsorshipforthis role or any other position now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the needforcurrent or futuresponsorshipat any time.
Cresco Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all applicants will be considered without attention to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran or disability status.
Cresco Labs is aware of fictitious employment offers being circulated from various sources. Many of these schemes consist of an alleged offer of employment with Cresco Labs with the intention of gaining personal information including payment and/or banking information. Be aware that fraudulent job offers and correspondence may appear legitimate: they may feature a Cresco Labs logo they may appear to originate from an official-looking email address or web site or they may be sent by individuals purporting to represent Cresco Labs or an entity which includes the word Cresco Labs in its name.
Please note that Cresco Labsdoes notask for payment or personal banking information as a condition of employment. Any personal information is requested for payroll or state badging purposes only. Applications can be securely submitted through our careers pages.
Required Experience:
Senior IC