Sr. Associate, Automation & Control Engineering

About the role

As a Sr. Associate, Automation and Control Engineering supporting our Engineering Manufacturing Systems team, you will design, implement, install, analyze, and optimize manufacturing processes, procedures, equipment, and programming. This role ensures seamless integration and functionality of mechatronic systems to support our 24/7 operation in Johns Creek, GA.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and design of manufacturing process improvements, procedures, and equipment installation by creating detailed project plans, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing resources, and overseeing budgets.
• Incorporate inspection and test requirements into the production plan.
• Inspect machinery, equipment, and tools to verify efficiency and initiate corrective actions for deficiencies.
• Adapt machine or equipment designs to meet safety, quality, and performance demands while optimizing factory and production conditions.
• Provide guidance on product design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques.
• Prepare and maintain statistical data and reports to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Identify process improvements to reduce waste using Lean tools and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Design, implement, install, and commission controls and automation systems (PLC, SCADA) for machines and processes.
• Specify and analyze user requirements, commission and test interfaces, components, and functions of control system solutions.
• Troubleshoot and correct issues related to complex PLC and SCADA projects.
• Provide expert-level support and work with internal customers on key systems and deliverables.
• Be available for periodic after-hours support of the 24/7 manufacturing process.
• Identify options and evaluate appropriate solutions to adapt, simplify, or improve existing PLC programs.
• Communicate and coordinate with internal/external vendors during implementation, commissioning, FAT, and SAT of control systems.
• Generate required technical documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), training manuals, and validation protocols in accordance with GMP guidelines.
• Measure, analyze, and identify improvement opportunities in equipment and processes using Lean, Six Sigma, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Implement corrective actions to improve product quality and reduce waste.
• Compose engineering studies, create change proposals, execute protocols, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in capital projects, managing associated internal/external resources and validations.
• Co-design and implement improvements to equipment and processes in support of contact lens production.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Production Management, Engineers, Electro-Mechanics, and Quality teams on capital projects, managing resources, financial decisions, and validations (e.g., FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, PQ).
• Coordinate with suppliers, supplier quality engineering, and quality control on raw materials and spare parts issues.
• Utilize risk management tools (e.g., FRA, FMEA, PHA) to resolve major technical problems while minimizing downtime on equipment and processes.
• Compose specifications for equipment or changes to equipment (e.g., URS, FS, SDS).
• Act as a subject matter expert in equipment or processes identified for support (e.g., Light Stream Lens Manufacturing).
• Provide expert-level support and advice to the organization on key processes and offer global support when requested.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +10 years; Associate’s +6 years; M.S. +0 years).
• Ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English.
• 2 years of relevant experience.
• Work location: Onsite (Johns Creek, GA).

Preferred Qualifications

• Broad work experience applying and directly contributing expertise in process automation and control systems, development methods, and applications.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and develop solutions for complex problems requiring creativity and originality.
• Excellent knowledge of PLC software programming, including Beckhoff and Siemens systems.
• Experience in safety PLC concepts for automated manufacturing equipment with chemical systems.
• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Experience in high-speed automated medical device manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Benefits

• Health, life, and retirement benefits.
• Flexible time off for exempt associates and PTO for hourly associates.
• Focused growth and development opportunities.