Electrical and Automation Engineer

Main Purpose Of The Job

The Electrical and Automation Engineer is responsible for ensuring reliable, efficient, and safe operation of all electrical and control systems across the factory facility. This role leads automation initiatives, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement projects to optimize production performance, product quality, and energy efficiency.

Electrical Systems & Maintenance

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on electrical systems, motors, drives, and control panels.
• Diagnose and repair electrical faults, power distribution, PLCs, and instrumentation systems.
• Maintain and update electrical drawings, schematics, and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with electrical codes, safety standards, and food manufacturing regulations.

Automation & Controls

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar), HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Support automation of production lines such as mix plant, freezer, filler, and packaging systems.
• Develop and implement control logic to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure consistent product quality.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operators to resolve automation issues and implement process improvements.

Project Management & Continuous Improvement

• Lead or support electrical and automation projects, including upgrades, new line installations, and equipment integration.
• Work with vendors and contractors to specify, design, and commission automation solutions.
• Participate in continuous improvement and reliability programs (TPM, Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma).
• Optimize energy usage and sustainability performance through automation and system upgrades.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure adherence to food safety (HACCP, GMP) and occupational safety regulations (OSHA, NFPA).
• Conduct risk assessments, lockout/tagout (LOTO) audits, and equipment safety validations.
• Ensure compliance with company’s food safety policies at all times.
• Ensure all working practices comply with company rules and procedures in order that you and any other persons using the area of work can do so safely.
• Always keep full and up to date records of all equipment to ensure traceability.

Budget

• Treat all spends as if they are your own.
• Manage, monitor and control costs to ensure that site costs are within budgeted requirements.
• Represent The Froneri Way of working through the behaviors and characteristics in our Operating Model and Core Values.
• Measurable Outcomes:
  • Down time: Balance between planned & reactive
  • Zero rejections for product food safety and quality issues due machinery
  • Waste driven by poor equipment performance
  • Daily, weekly, monthly production targets are fully met
  • Costs are maintained at/below budgeted levels
  • Direct Team to receive a performance review
  • Training and development plans in place for all team, producing measurable business benefits
  • Quality and improvement initiatives being implemented
  • Reduction in accidents and incidents on a YOY basis
  • An improving trend on the submitted weekly KPI’s
  • Projects delivered on time within budget
  • Drive actions from quality benchmarking

Behaviors and Core Values

• Must consistently showcase the desired behaviors that represent our Core Values.
• We Take Ownership
• We Do What Is Right
• We Seek to Improve
• We Are Better Together

Work Environment

• Regularly work with and around others; in a wet and/or humid environment; in areas of high noise level; and around mechanical, electrical, and pressurized equipment.
• Fast-paced: Workers often operate under strict timelines to meet production quotas.
• High-speed manufacturing floor with frequent movement, line assignment changes, and tight production timelines.
• Standing for Long Hours: Many roles require prolonged standing and repetitive tasks.
• Repetitive hand and arm movements required.
• Must be able to stand for hours with frequent bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Frequent exposure to nuts and other potential allergens.
• Requires use of cold-protective PPE.
• May involve standing in refrigerated zones for extended periods.

Pay Range: $98,000 - $117,000 per year

Benefits: Comprehensive group benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, 401K plan with employer match and annual contribution available.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Inc. provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.