Corporate Automation Engineer

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America's largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms, Bison, Milk for Life, and Intense Milk. Here, you'll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Our Engineering department is seeking a talented individual to join us as an Automation Controls Engineer.

You should be able to analyze processes that affect the overall production of our dairy products. You should also be able to spot any faults in our process control systems and provide recommendations for improvements.

As an ideal candidate, you should have outstanding problem-solving/troubleshooting ability and a good understanding of various processes in manufacturing facilities. You should also have excellent leadership skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Automating and upgrading plant manufacturing processes.
• Provide technical assistance in scaling up equipment and processes from prototype to pilot to full scale manufacturing.
• Read and Update Process Flow Diagrams (PFDS), P&IDs & UFDs
• Prepare process datasheets for mechanical equipment and instruments
• Document facility start-up and operating guidelines
• Develop and maintain technical project timelines and provide updates and feedback to project leadership.
• Provide day to day plant automation support.
• Troubleshooting problems associated with manufacturing processes.
• Support systems documentation including electrical, and process & instrumentation diagrams.
• Assist with preparing standardized procedures for operating plants.
• Assist with support of MES/OEE and Data Historian systems.
• Conducting tests and monitoring the process performance throughout production.
• Staying abreast of the latest developments in process control engineering.
• Assist with training maintenance and supervisory personnel.
• Suggesting improvements in the current processes.

Knowledge & Skills - Required

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, or related field of study.
• Strong analytical skills, basic understanding of project management fundamentals, strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project)
• Knowledge and understanding of production and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in AutoCAD software.
• Experience in PLC programming, Rockwell, Emerson/GE, Mitsubishi.
• Experience in SCADA/HMI software.
• Experience in using MES/OEE, Data Historian & Statistical Process software.
• Electrical and mechanical/process design experience.
• Ability to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulations.
• Demonstrate excellent leadership skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Phenomenal communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Good analytical and mathematical skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal and time management skills.
• A hardworking and passionate individual with strong work ethics.

Preferred

• Dairy and/or food processing expertise, particularly in Mixing & Blending, HTST, CIP, Retort operations, automatic packaging, system and equipment mechanics, and sanitation and safety.
• 5 years of experience working as a Process Design/Automation/Controls Engineer, or a similar role in anengineering department.

Confidentiality

The Automation Controls Engineer is exposed to and entrusted confidential information relative to production methods, customers and company strategy.

Management Responsibility

The Automation Controls Engineer is an individual contributor role that operates under the general direction of the Corporate Engineering Automation Manager.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, high speed processing equipment and will be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals as well as moderate to high noise levels in the work environment. The employee must be able to see, grasp, hold, walk, climb, bend, stretch, and lift up to 40 lbs. The employee will spend some time in a production environment where temperatures fluctuate, floors may be wet, and noise is a constant factor.

This role does require 25% to 35% travel.

Pay: $90,000-$150,000 per year*

• The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.