Electrical & Automation Specialist (Bloomington, IL, US)

About the Role:

We are seeking mutliple Electrical & Automation Specialist(s) and are actively reviewing applications.

The Electrical & Automation Specialist is responsible for plant-wide electrical power distribution, automation, process control, OT networks, MES, and Factory Automation Systems (FAS). This role ensures safe, reliable, compliant, and cost effective operation of electrical and automation systems while supporting production, maintenance, and capital projects in alignment with corporate standards and regulatory requirements.

Main Responsibilities:

• Own and support all plant electrical, automation, OT network, MES, and FAS systems

• Ensure reliability, safety, efficiency, and compliance of electrical and control systems

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and act as technical escalation point

• Design, configure, modify, and maintain PLC, HMI, motion control, VFD, and automation networks

• Serve as OT network administrator and cybersecurity reference

• Manage backups, documentation, drawings, standards, and change management

• Lead, train, and support the E&A team in a union environment, including 24/7 technical support

• Coordinate preventive maintenance, power quality monitoring, and instrument calibration

• Support production line changes and continuous improvement initiatives

• Act as primary liaison with central engineering, vendors, OEMs, utilities, and internal teams

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, food safety, and regulatory standards (including ISO 50001)

Technical Scope

• Electrical Power Distribution: Utility service through switchgear, transformers, MCCs, motors, and loads

• Automation & Controls: PLCs, HMIs, motion control, VFDs, instrumentation, and process control systems

• OT Networks: Ethernet and industrial networks (DeviceNet, ControlNet, DH+, RS485), servers, and security

• MES: Requirements definition, implementation, training, and lifecycle management

• Capital Projects: Design review, commissioning, startup support, and technical validation

About You:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred) with 5+ years manufacturing experience OR Journeyman Electrician with 10+ years industrial electrical and automation experience

• Expert-level troubleshooting experience in manufacturing electrical systems

• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, automation networks, and power distribution

• Experience with MES, industrial IT/OT systems, and cybersecurity

• Knowledge of food processing operations, food safety, and regulatory compliance

• Strong understanding of electrical safety, codes, and standards

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

Our Benefits & Perks:

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

The base salary range for this position is $120,000- $150,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

About Ferrero:

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

DE&I at Ferrero:

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding. Find out more here.

Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic.

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.