Automation Controls Engineer

General Purpose:

Supervise and support day-to-day technical services of the facility. Provide technical support and maintenance as directed in respect to process control management systems, related networks, and related technologies. Support the corporate automation network and to maintain communications, network, and software that is required for day-to-day manufacturing operations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Manage, maintain and improve the facility automation, instrumentation, and electrical systems

Develop and manage support structure for operational technology (OT), including production line automation, controls, control networks, and other communication systems

Provide technical expertise to assist the facility with continuously improving the dairy process control, utility, operations, and energy management; reduce usage; improve quality; and reduce their overall cost of operation

Provide management with information and guidance on all aspects of controls network design/server and maintenance matters. Investigate and report on problems and recommend solutions

Maintain effective maintenance programs for facility, electrical distribution, plant utility systems, architecture, process instrumentation, and all production machinery and equipment through assigned staff and outside contractors to support sustained plant operations and efficiency

Implement annual capital plan in specific area of responsibility. Coordinate projects working with cross-functional teams to minimize plant downtime while completing projects on time and within budget Design and support 3-5 years long-term plan (road map) for control network system and server upgrade

Develop, organize, and maintain plant control network specifications/standards to ensure process stability while maximizing manufacturing process efficiencies

Stay abreast of engineering trends and developments for application. Recommend changes in policies and procedures as appropriate

Coordinate and manage resources, both personnel (e.g., control specialist, technicians, contractors) and funding to ensure the project or mission fulfills and meets the set objectives defined within the approved scope

Organize control network/server related technical training to improve plant operative technical skills

Promote company culture; oversee assigned DFA and contract staff. Develop appropriate training programs to address developmental needs

Verify adherence to DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate, regulatory, food safety, quality and sanitation requirements

Ensure safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues

Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgment

Attend required training, including but not limited to Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)

The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Travel:

5-15% (1-3 times per year)

Requirements:

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and 10 years of experience in food manufacturing environment, including 4 years of direct supervisory experience

(OR)

High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), 5 years of technical training in related mechanical and/or electrical studies, and 4 years of experience in food manufacturing environment, including 2 years of direct supervisory experience

Bachelor's degree and 4 years of experience in food manufacturing environment, including 2 years of direct supervisory experience

Capital project and capital project budget management experience

Experience with control network design and maintenance plans (including design, deployment, and management); OT infrastructure (network, server, security) management, server and network switch configuration, VPN setup and management, and IP address management

Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Advanced knowledge of control network design and maintenance plans, OT infrastructure (network, server, security) management, server and network switch configuration, VPN setup and management, and IP address management

Knowledge on process control and control network, electrical schematics, HMI programming (FT View), advanced PLC programming, Rockwell automation systems, electrical equipment including pump/VSD maintenance, legacy automation, VFD, SLIC500, and instrumentation

Knowledge of Federal Drug Administration (FDA), GMP, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies and regulations

Knowledge of regulatory codes and translating into blueprints and schematics

Knowledge of project management processes, techniques, and tools

Skill in planning, organization, and analysis

Skill in contractor and vendor management

Must be able to read, write and speak English

Compensation: $130000-$140000/ year