Controls Specialist

Dairy Farmers of America•Elkland Township, MI

About The Position

Assist with new site construction, expansion, renovation, or equipment and facility design by providing support for process controls, electrical engineering, and related systems and equipment. This position focuses on supporting a single plant and provides occasional assistance to other locations with controls-related task and improvements.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in engineering (preferably electrical engineering) or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
2 to 4 years of multi-disciplinary technical experience in food industry (preferably dairy), including plant construction and/or expansion or related field
Experience with HMI and ControlLogix Programming, one-line and electrical schematic design, electrical equipment, or other relevant technologies (i.e., pump and VFD control, configuration, and instrumentation)
Basic understanding of architectural, mechanical, electrical and process engineering with emphasis on process controls
Familiarity with Federal Drug Administration (FDA), GMP, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies and regulations
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
Familiarity with regulatory codes and ability to interpret them for use in basic drawings or schematics
Familiarity with basic project management processes, techniques, and tools
Skill in planning, organization, and analysis
Able to work with contractors and vendors to support project needs
Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of individuals to share information
Able to assist with problem analysis and contribute to resolving issues at the functional level
Able to support multiple project activities concurrently
Able to work with others to achieve results
Able to suggest creative ideas and contribute to short-term improvements
Must be able to read, write and speak English

Nice To Haves

Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Responsibilities

Gather and provide information on controls, electrical design, construction, and maintenance matters. Assist in identifying issues, documenting findings, and suggesting possible solutions.
Organize and maintain process controls and electrical engineering documentation, including specifications, standards, and equipment operating parameters to support process stability while maximizing manufacturing process efficiencies.
Support the implementation and upkeep of process control and electrical engineering plans and projects for the assigned location. Coordinate activities for projects, vendors, and contractors as related to implementation of engineering plans.
Track and/or update capital budget and equipment schedules to support plant construction, expansion, or new product objectives.
Communicate with DFA employees on projects, priorities, timetables, and budgets.
Serve as technical support on process controls and electrical engineering.
Review technical specifications on drawings and literature for process controls and electrical engineering.
Contribute to initiatives aimed at improving internal systems by identifying potential cost-saving measures and sharing technical insights.
Stay informed about engineering practices and developments to support their application in projects. Support changes in policies and procedures as appropriate.
Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.