Automation Controls Engineer

Mondelēz International•Richmond, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Mondelez International Richmond Bakery, a global leader in the food industry, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Automation Controls Engineer to join our team at the Richmond Bakery. As an Automation Controls Engineer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and optimization of our manufacturing processes through the maintenance, troubleshooting, and improvement of our control systems, automation equipment, and instrumentation. You will also be responsible for working with the automation team and electricians to provide programming, troubleshooting, and the maintenance of programmable logic controller (PLC) systems in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Your experience and foundation in PLC programming and industrial automation will contribute to optimizing production processes, ensuring efficient equipment performance, and maintaining high-quality standards.

Requirements

An understanding of Basic Electronics and Electrical Theory.
Solid understanding of control systems, PLC programming, HMI interfaces, SCADA systems, and industrial networking protocols.
Proficiency in reading electrical and instrumentation schematics, diagrams, and technical manuals.
Knowledge of instrumentation principles, including sensors, transmitters, actuators, and control valves.
High attention to detail and a commitment to delivering quality work while adhering to safety protocols.
Associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Technology, Instrumentation Technology.
5+ years manufacturing experience in an Automation and Controls role
People management skills
Strong soft skills regarding training and communication for knowledge transfer
Proven experience in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Proficient in programming languages such as ladder logic, structured text, or function block diagram, with expertise in PLC Allen-Bradley.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Automation Technology, or Instrumentation Technology, preferred.
Experience with high-speed packaging lines and production equipment in food processing, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries
Familiar with SAP – PM, work order, and asset creation/management
Familiar with Putty and Cisco Network Switches
Proficiency in diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
Ability to work well in a team-based environment with limited supervision
Ability to problem solve and help with practical solutions
Ability to analyze scenarios and provide root cause analysis

Responsibilities

Ensure that delivered services are optimized to meet business demands and the service operations strategy, plan, measure, report and communicate service improvement initiatives, and serve as a consultant on issues and resolutions.
Recommend actions that can be taken to optimize investments and benefits and to mitigate risks.
Identify suppliers, evaluate them, on-board new vendors, establish and run vendor governance; collaborate with management and follow-up on requisitions, purchase orders, invoices, and payments; work with project resources to provide design collateral and to configure software components so they are aligned with security policy and governance; and ensure adherence to development and configuration standards and processes.
Assist electricians with routine maintenance, repair, and calibration of control systems, automation equipment, and instrumentation to ensure their reliability and accuracy.
Troubleshoot and diagnose issues in a timely manner, employing analytical skills and technical expertise to minimize downtime and optimize production efficiency.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and production personnel, to identify opportunities for system improvements and implement modifications to enhance productivity, quality, and safety.
Proactively suggest enhancements to control strategies, automation processes, and instrumentation systems to maximize operational effectiveness.
Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, and modifications performed, following established documentation procedures.
Generate reports on equipment performance, failures, and improvements, providing valuable insights to inform decision-making processes and support continuous improvement efforts.
Execute planned preventive maintenance programs for control systems, automation equipment, and instrumentation.
Anticipate potential equipment issues and take proactive measures to prevent breakdowns.
Adhere to safety guidelines, company policies, and regulatory requirements related to controls, automation, and instrumentation.
Identify and mitigate potential hazards, implement safety measures, and actively participate in safety initiatives and training programs.
Stay updated with the latest technological advancements, industry best practices, and emerging trends in controls, automation, and instrumentation.
Share knowledge and expertise with team members, promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.
Develop and implement PLC programs and control strategies to automate manufacturing processes and improve overall efficiency.
Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC systems, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other industrial automation devices to ensure proper operation and integration with existing equipment.
Conduct routine maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of PLC systems, including identifying and resolving electrical, mechanical, and programming issues.
Monitor and analyze production data, system performance, and equipment feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
Provide training and support to operators and maintenance personnel on PLC programming, troubleshooting techniques, and safe handling of automation equipment.
Supervise and develop shift electricians.