Automation Engineer

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and confectionery coatings. We are a well-established food company focused on growth with 4 manufacturing locations (Middleton, WI, Watertown, WI, Milton, WI and Spanish Springs, NV). CQC maintains a professional, supportive work environment where teamwork is key to our success. Working for a privately held company provides the opportunity to wear many different "hats," make a difference every day, and have fun doing it!

About the role

Conceptualize, design, program, troubleshoot and optimize automation control systems and hardware for plant operation and utility systems. Work with 3rd party integrators to design hardware and software systems for complex control and automation applications. Collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines to ensure complete and efficient execution of capital projects and plant operations. Supervise and direct contractors on a day-to-day basis regarding electrical and automation projects.

The position works day shift hours Monday–Friday and requires after-hours and weekend on-call support. Remote work flexibility is available during project design and development phases, with on-site support required during commissioning, start-ups, and in response to plant needs. Travel up to 25% to support local CQC sites, trade shows, and training can be expected. The role reports to the Electrical Engineering Manager.

Responsibilities

• Review, approve, and participate in design of plant processes
• Program automation control systems for plant processes and utilities
• Support development of P&IDs for plant processes
• Support operational improvements through control sequence optimization
• Develop, write, and revise detailed functional specifications and system specifications for automated control systems
• Create and maintain SOPs, technical guidelines, help files, and step-by-step troubleshooting documentation for standard and repeatable situations
• Work with vendors to specify hardware and software
• Identify and order electrical hardware as necessary
• Direct electrical contractors/vendors on activities related to projects
• Support plant troubleshooting during off hours
• Support commissioning and validation of new processes and systems
• Travel domestically to support implementation and commissioning of electrical systems within CQC
• Support plant operations, maintenance, and IT for troubleshooting of automation systems
• Train and develop maintenance staff, electrical engineers, and operations personnel to a proficient level in automation systems and troubleshooting
• Maintain regular attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical related field OR Minimum 2 years experience installing and maintaining manufacturing electrical systems and equipment, preferably in a food manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical and Standard
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems in large manufacturing environments
• Experience with plant automation programming platform (Siemens TIA Portal preferred)
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project
• Familiar with UL Standards, NEC Codes (NFPA 70, 70E, and 79)
• Demonstrated proficiency with Siemens hardware is desired

Skills

• Oral and written communication
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Customer focused
• Team building and leadership proficiency
• Decision-making
• Project management

Benefits

We are committed to being an Employer of Choice and offering our employees a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits.

Schedule

• Day shift hours Monday–Friday
• After-hours and weekend on-call support required
• Remote work flexibility during project design and development phases
• On-site support required during commissioning, start-ups, and plant needs