Automation Engineer

Position Summary
This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems that enhance production efficiency, food safety, and product quality. The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial automation within food manufacturing environments and a strong understanding of regulatory compliance and hygienic design principles.

Essential Functions

• Design and execute large-scale, complex automation projects from start to finish. Project design and execution includes but is not limited to: AutoCAD panel layouts, panel build out, PLC programming, HMI screen development, alarm development with server deployment, I/O system verification, and full startup support.

Competencies

1. Technical Capacity
2. Problem Solving/Analysis
3. Communication Proficiency
4. Computer Proficiency
5. Time Management/Initiative

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment
This job operates in an office, shop and plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Exposed to extreme temperature variations. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud.

Physical Demands
Please refer to the separate functional job description for this position.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. This position works 9-hour shifts Monday through Friday which includes some holidays. This position is part of an on-call rotation.

Travel
Less than five percent travel expected for this position.

Required Education, Experience & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree and/or 5+ years in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field. Technical degree and/or 10+ years of experience in automation engineering, preferably in food or beverage manufacturing. Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley), HMI development, and SCADA systems. Familiarity with hygienic design standards and food-grade automation components. Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.). Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills. Knowledge of safety and compliance standards such as NFPA 70E, OSHA, and GMP.

Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications

Experience with robotics, vision systems, and automated packaging lines. Knowledge of MES systems, and data analytics for process optimization. Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Minimum age requirement is 18. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid and appropriate state driver’s license prior to employment.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice.