Process Automation Engineer

Job Purpose

The Process Automation Engineer continuously supports plant processing, packaging and utility systems for reliability, total cost of ownership, effectiveness tracking, documenting areas of success, and driving opportunity areas for improvement and growth. In fulfilling this role, the Process Automation Engineer works cross functionally with commercial, manufacturing, engineering, IT, quality, R&D, and other functions within fairlife. They will be one of the top liaisons for procuring new equipment and incorporating our learnings with new technologies and processes to improve quality, efficiencies, and speed to market.

Responsibilities

• Defining the electrical and automation objectives of capacity expansion projects and overseeing the automation process design from milk receiving to finished product container to achieve lowest risk design at lowest total cost of ownership.

• Assisting in the development and commercialization of new technologies and processes to improve quality, efficiency, and speed to market.

• Assisting in the development, review and updates of all electrical and automation functional specifications.

• Reviewing new and existing line/plant designs to reduce food safety risk and improve the overall efficiency and cost of operations.

• Solving complex process problems following escalation from plants; managing the process of escalation with plants to ensure a timely resolution.

• Supporting development of process monitoring and situational awareness systems that enhance efficiency and reduce losses and total cost of ownership. Examples include design for extended run time, faster CIP turnaround, prediction of next CIP, energy recovery, water re-use, chemical re-use, etc.

• Defining standards to improve the accuracy and efficiency of new and existing equipment.

• Developing relationships globally in the dairy processing & automation industries to keep abreast of best-in-class performance of various designs.

• Assuring plant compliance with Federal, State and Corporate environmental laws, rules & regulations.

• Assuring that the process complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, PMO, other regulatory requirements, Company policies, operating procedures, processes, and task assignments.

• Effectively collaborating and coordinating with plant & project engineering teams to ensure all project work is performed on time and within budget.

• Serving a key role in supporting the organization for the commercialization of new products.

• Serving as a key decision maker in equipment vendor selection and contract negotiation.

• Other duties as assigned.

Skills/Qualifications Required

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in automation engineering and operations disciplines

• Bachelor of science degree in electrical, mechanical, computer, or chemical engineering or equivalent experience.

• Proven track record of improving manufacturing processes through re-design, automation, and the introduction of new technologies

• Programming experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix and SLC500 PLCs, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Allen Bradley VFDs, etc.

• Knowledge of and familiarity with the National Electric Code (NEC) and international standards

• Proficiency designing and programming control systems with emphasis on PLCs, SCADA or HMI systems

• Proficiency with control system networking technologies and PC networking technologies

• Proficiency working with SQL Server, Oracle or other relational databases

• Experience with Microsoft PowerBI preferred

• Strong attention to detail and business analytical skills

• Demonstrated excellence in communication and presentation

• Familiarity with instrumentation (flow meters, level transmitters, RTDs/temperature transmitters, level probes, etc.)

• Ability to handle ambiguity and thrive in fast paced, entrepreneurial work environment

• Ability to travel as needed

• Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.