Automation Project Manager

fairlife•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Automation Project Manager will be responsible for leading automation and controls execution for major expansion and greenfield projects. This role is responsible for the design, integration, commissioning, and operational handover of PLC and SCADA systems supporting processing, packaging, CIP, utilities, and aseptic systems. The position is critical to achieving first-pass regulatory approval, sterility assurance, and stable commercial production.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or IT (Electrical, Controls, Automation, Software, or related field) is required
5+ years of industrial automation experience, facility startup experience strongly preferred
Experience integrating complex OEM equipment into a unified control system
Strong proficiency with MES, historians, SCADA, and PLCs required. Ignition SCADA, Allen Bradley Controls, and Canary Historian preferred
Must be highly organized and able to prioritize, manage time well, multitask and troubleshoot
Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment
Prior experience in manufacturing environment is required, direct experience with food or beverage and aseptic manufacturing is preferred

Nice To Haves

facility startup experience strongly preferred
Ignition SCADA, Allen Bradley Controls, and Canary Historian preferred
direct experience with food or beverage and aseptic manufacturing is preferred

Responsibilities

Manage automation scope, schedule, and budget coordinating with OEMs, system integrators, EPC partners, and operations for packaging and utilities
Review and approve control philosophies, functional specs, network designs, and visualizations to manage and resolve integration challenges across equipment packages to create integrated solutions primarily focused on packaging and utilities
Own SCADA architecture, deployment, and configuration, ensuring high availability, redundancy, and disaster recovery and support integration of SCADA systems with PLCs, historians, MES, and enterprise systems aligned with ISA concepts
Define tag structures, alarming, historization, and security models
Lead automation activities during project execution through production startup including development and execution of detailed automation commissioning and startup plans
Coordinate FAT/SAT, IO checkout, loop testing, and integrated system testing including dry runs, media runs, wet runs, and first commercial production
Lead troubleshooting during startup and early-life operations
Ensure electronic records meet data integrity and regulatory standards (21 CFR Part 11–aligned where applicable), supporting regulatory inspections, audits, and startup readiness reviews
Ensure complete as-built documentation, backups, and cybersecurity controls are developed and lead transition of systems from project to operations ownership
Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.