Automation Engineer

IFF•Hazlet, NJ

8d•$61,558 - $87,940•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Manager is responsible for leading and managing all automation, controls, and industrial technology systems within the manufacturing facility. This position oversees the design, implementation, maintenance, optimization, and continuous improvement of automated production equipment and control systems to maximize safety, quality, reliability, and operational efficiency. The Automation Manager works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and EHS teams to support plant performance objectives and capital improvement projects. For a fragrance/scent manufacturing facility, the role would additionally oversee automated blending systems, bulk fragrance handling, batch processing controls, filling lines, packaging automation, inventory tracking systems, and compliance with safety requirements related to flammable chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability. Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required.
7–10 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing technology.
Minimum 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
Advanced knowledge of PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Omron).
Experience with SCADA, HMI, MES, and industrial data collection systems.
Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols: EtherNet/IPProfinetModbusOPC UA
Experience with robotics and motion control systems.
Knowledge of instrumentation and process controls.
Familiarity with cybersecurity practices for industrial control systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical drawings.
Experience managing automation projects and system integrations.
Strategic leadership
Project management
Technical expertise
Problem-solving and analytical thinking
Team development and coaching
Change management
Communication and stakeholder management
Continuous improvement mindset
Business acumen
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
Ability to walk production areas and climb stairs or ladders when necessary.
Availability for emergency support, planned shutdowns, and off-hours project work.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Experience in high-speed manufacturing, chemical processing, consumer products, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, fragrance, or similar industries preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the plant automation strategy aligned with business and operational goals.
Lead automation projects from concept through implementation and startup.
Manage automation technicians, controls engineers, and external contractors.
Establish standards for control systems, programming, instrumentation, and industrial networking.
Drive digital transformation and Industry 4.0 initiatives throughout the facility.
Oversee PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and MES systems across manufacturing operations.
Ensure reliability and performance of production control systems.
Review and approve PLC, HMI, and SCADA programming modifications.
Develop backup, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery strategies for automation systems.
Manage system upgrades, migrations, and lifecycle replacement planning.
Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex automation and controls issues.
Analyze equipment downtime and identify automation-related improvement opportunities.
Implement predictive and preventive maintenance strategies for control systems.
Support Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop performance metrics and dashboards to monitor automation effectiveness.
Lead automation aspects of capital investment projects.
Collaborate with equipment suppliers, contractors, and engineering firms.
Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical specifications.
Manage commissioning, validation, and startup activities for new equipment.
Ensure automation projects meet safety, quality, and production requirements.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, electrical codes, and company safety standards.
Promote Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and machine safety programs.
Support Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements where applicable.
Participate in risk assessments and machine safety evaluations.
Ensure compliance with GMP, ISO, FDA, or other applicable standards.
Develop and manage the automation department budget.
Control maintenance and project expenditures related to controls and automation.
Manage inventory of critical automation spare parts.
Evaluate and select automation technologies, vendors, and service providers.
Support workforce planning and skills development initiatives.
Recruit, train, mentor, and develop automation and controls personnel.
Conduct performance evaluations and career development planning.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.
Provide technical leadership and coaching to maintenance and operations teams.