Automation Specialist

About the Role

The Automation Specialist is responsible for activities relating to the automation and control of machinery and systems in the plant.

Responsibilities

• Respond to production requests for immediate attention to production issues and problems.
• Monitor, maintain, and support plant-wide automation systems.
• Update HMIs and computer systems as advised by the IT department.
• Support and troubleshoot the Wonderware-based factory management and control system.
• Perform maintenance on PLCs and HMI systems, including backups of PLC programs.
• Assist with MES activities and coordination.
• Maintain and troubleshoot electrical/electronic systems and general production line equipment.
• Identify problem areas and address them with permanent solutions.
• Provide input to ensure line layouts and implementation are efficient and timely.
• Coordinate plant and contractor activities to ensure timelines are met when assigned.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and lead approved projects within the plant.
• Work with the Maintenance Supervisor to utilize in-house resources and coordinate outside contractors for approved projects.
• Work with plant personnel to identify savings and justification for projects.
• Provide leadership in bringing approved projects to successful completion.
• Work with Production to identify downtime issues and implement permanent solutions.
• Gather and examine basic reliability data from floor observations or databases and correlate for analysis using engineering techniques, principles, and procedures.
• Drive root cause and failure analysis with plant personnel to avoid future failures.
• Provide production coverage during times of need or when issues requiring specific expertise arise.
• Adhere to stated safety policies and procedures.
• Produce products in a manner that exceeds quality and value expectations by following Good Manufacturing Practices and Safe Quality Food Program policies.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school and/or commensurate experience.
• 5 years of related experience and/or training.
• Fundamental understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Broad depth of experience and knowledge of production machinery and equipment.
• Rockwell PLC hardware and software (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, RSLogix).
• Ability to write PLC programs and make necessary changes.
• Ability to lead and organize multiple projects and resources.
• Ability to make sound, independent decisions based on functional expertise and experience.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, troubleshoot, and problem-solve.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 3 years of food manufacturing experience.
• PLC programming, Wonderware MES, InTouch development, RSLogix.

Working Conditions

• Ability to constantly stand/walk; bend/flex/extend neck; frequently grip/reach/lift/pull with left/right hands.
• Ability to frequently handle material from floor-to-waist, waist-to-shoulder, and perform pushing/pulling/carrying.
• Product weight: up to 50 lbs.
• Repetitive work in a fast-paced production environment with average temperature of 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Hair nets, ear plugs/muffs, hard hats, and/or safety glasses may be required.