Automation Supervisor

This position is located on-site at our Boardman, Oregon facility.

About the Role

The Automation Supervisor is the plant expert for industrial controls and automation, with an in-depth understanding of the physical operation of the process equipment, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems. The Automation Supervisor works with the plant's Controls Engineer to supervise and train the plant Automation and Controls Technicians and maintenance technicians. They provide technical support to manufacturing operations; improve machine and equipment control; troubleshoot operating problems; design and implement capital improvements; oversee PLC, HMI and plant SCADA hardware and software systems; and train production operators in new or modified process control operations.

Responsibilities

• In cooperation with the plant's Controls Engineer, oversee, install and program all aspects of plant PLC/HMI and SCADA systems organization to maintain and improve machine and equipment control:
  • Maintain control system documentation.
  • Upgrade and maintain software tools and applications.
  • Maintain hardware revision levels to accommodate software upgrades.
  • Implement long-term strategy and plan for control systems as defined by automation manager.
  • Implement standards and guidelines for plant control systems as defined by automation manager.
• Oversee, maintain and modify programming for utilities, process and CIP systems.
• Collaborate with Information Technology to integrate PLC, WonderWare, and other systems (Ignition).
• Align information in enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with actual process on work floor.
• Oversee and maintain PLC and HMI network systems, and collaborate with IT to manage PLC and HMI communications across company Ethernet/fiber optic network.
• Train select maintenance technicians in plant PLC systems to aid in troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Design and implement small capital improvements to PLC and HMI systems; assist in planning and implementation of long-range facility/process expansions.
• Oversee integration of new capital equipment purchases with existing plant control systems.
• Manage selected capital projects, as directed by Automation Manager.
• Guide/direct the work of outside PLC and controls contractors.
• Oversee and/or set up and install instruments and control system components.
• Oversee and complete process work orders in a timely fashion.
• Provide technical support to plant manufacturing operations:
  • Be the plant expert for troubleshooting existing plant process and control systems.
  • Solve problems in plant control system and plant operations, including upgrading and retrofitting equipment and facilities.
  • Assist in installation of new equipment by taking the lead in control system aspects of installation.
• Train engineering and production employees on existing and new processes:
  • Coordinate with automation manager to plan, deliver, and document training.
  • Assist in development of training materials.
  • Present training materials in one-on-one and group settings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Associates degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
• 5+ years' experience in food or beverage manufacturing environment, including hands-on maintenance experience.
• Experience providing PLC & HMI programming, hardware installation, and software installation.
• Experience performing instrument and control loop tuning and calibration.
• Knowledge of Allen Bradley and Siemens PLC control systems and WonderWare & Ignition SCADA systems.
• Experience with ERP, WMS, CMMS, and calibration management systems strongly desired.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, supervisors and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Must be computer literate with basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and SQL.
• Must be a team player and be able to interact with staff at all levels of the company.
• Must be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and be flexible in working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent time-management skills with the ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Must have sound troubleshooting skills.
• Must be able to self-teach in areas of deficiency.

Benefits

We offer outstanding benefits to our employees. For more information, please visit the careers page.

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion where all employees are heard, valued and feel a sense of belonging. We rely on different perspectives, thoughts, backgrounds and cultures to inform our work, to help us be better as a brand and as an employer and to fuel our success. We are seeking talent from a wide range of diversity, perspectives, and backgrounds to join our exceptional organization and help us build our future.

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Drug-Free Workplace.