Engineer, Automation

California Dairies Inc•Pixley, CA

About The Position

The Automation Engineer will work cross functionally with the plants and Engineering Department to support all electro-mechanical automation equipment, PLCs, motion control systems, vision systems and industrial network equipment and structure. Essential Functions Design mechanical systems for new, or modify existing, automated machinery to bring standardization to manufacturing processes. Design and specify electrical components for OEM and custom automated industrial equipment. Work with other engineers to specify equipment and electrical design in order to ensure design intent and provide an effective process. Establish technical manuals, drawings, models, training documentation, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting guides for newly established automated equipment/processes. Document system changes and report on changes. Backup and categorize system settings to insure proper documentation and revision control. Travel to multiple sites for design reviews, research, installation, and troubleshooting. Ability to accept feedback and improvement suggestions and brainstorm with plant leadership to find solutions to complex issues. Document existing architecture and evaluate for potential risks and design issues. Ability to self-direct on projects and task. Work with hand tools, multi-meters, and testing equipment to diagnose electrical systems ranging from 24VDC to 600VAC. Repair, replace, install, and commission automation components include cables and connectors, sensors, VFD and servo drives, and other electro-mechanical devices. Read and interpret PLC code to assist the production team in diagnosis of line down situations and/or fault conditions. Escalate line down situations per protocol and interface with engineering and operations teams. Identify continuous improvement projects to improve personal and equipment safety, operator ease of use, product quality, and equipment uptime. Availability for after hour calls and remote troubleshooting of processes. Proficiency interpreting electrical, network, pneumatic, and hydraulic diagrams. Proficiency diagnosing Ethernet and other device interface communications between PLCs. Experience with different types of brands such as but not limited to Allen Bradley, GE Omron, Siemens, B&R, and/or Mitsubishi. Proficiency in selecting/integrating appropriate circuit protectors, wire and cable, and sensors. Preferred experience with semi-automated / automated manufacturing equipment. Must work in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment. Must be able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization. Must have the ability to troubleshoot problems and be persistent until a solution is found. Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process, goals or objectives are unclear. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, including, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, as well as planning software/tools (i.e. Microsoft D365). Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of employees and subject matter experts. Strong analytical, project and product management skills, including a thorough understanding of how to interpret business needs and translate them into operational requirements. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Work experience as a project engineer executing small-mid level capital projects.
Strong organization and problem-solving skills.
MS Office Software knowledge, use of Word, Excel, SharePoint, MS Project, and Teams.
Familiarity and ability to comply with all applicable rules, regulations, best practices, and performance standards.
Aptitude for working collaboratively with multiple disciplines within teams and projects.
Proven success in the areas of project execution, technical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in Rockwell Based Software. (RsView, RsLogix 5-5000)
Proficient in GE Software. (iFix, Historian, Proficy Machine Edition)
Mid Level understanding of Industrial Data / Controls Server Operation and maintenance.
Proficient in VPN usage. (Primarily SonicWall)
Must have general understanding of Windows operation system including backup, restore, and evaluate update of OS or security related impact on current systems.
Must be proficient in network setup and repair.
Must work in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment.
Must have the ability to troubleshoot problems and be persistent until a solution is found.
Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process, goals or objectives are unclear.
Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical / Chemical / Electrical /Industrial Engineering or similar preferred.
Minimum 1 year of experience in food/beverage manufacturing facility plant engineering processes involving modification and automation of food production equipment, refrigeration, electrical, steam generation, and wastewater processing.
English is required as the written and spoken language.
Must possess or be able to acquire a state issued Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience with semi-automated / automated manufacturing equipment.

Responsibilities

Design mechanical systems for new, or modify existing, automated machinery to bring standardization to manufacturing processes.
Design and specify electrical components for OEM and custom automated industrial equipment.
Work with other engineers to specify equipment and electrical design in order to ensure design intent and provide an effective process.
Establish technical manuals, drawings, models, training documentation, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting guides for newly established automated equipment/processes.
Document system changes and report on changes.
Backup and categorize system settings to insure proper documentation and revision control.
Travel to multiple sites for design reviews, research, installation, and troubleshooting.
Ability to accept feedback and improvement suggestions and brainstorm with plant leadership to find solutions to complex issues.
Document existing architecture and evaluate for potential risks and design issues.
Ability to self-direct on projects and task.
Work with hand tools, multi-meters, and testing equipment to diagnose electrical systems ranging from 24VDC to 600VAC.
Repair, replace, install, and commission automation components include cables and connectors, sensors, VFD and servo drives, and other electro-mechanical devices.
Read and interpret PLC code to assist the production team in diagnosis of line down situations and/or fault conditions.
Escalate line down situations per protocol and interface with engineering and operations teams.
Identify continuous improvement projects to improve personal and equipment safety, operator ease of use, product quality, and equipment uptime.
Availability for after hour calls and remote troubleshooting of processes.
Proficiency interpreting electrical, network, pneumatic, and hydraulic diagrams.
Proficiency diagnosing Ethernet and other device interface communications between PLCs.
Experience with different types of brands such as but not limited to Allen Bradley, GE Omron, Siemens, B&R, and/or Mitsubishi.
Proficiency in selecting/integrating appropriate circuit protectors, wire and cable, and sensors.
Must work in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment.
Must be able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
Must have the ability to troubleshoot problems and be persistent until a solution is found.
Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process, goals or objectives are unclear.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, including, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, as well as planning software/tools (i.e. Microsoft D365).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of employees and subject matter experts.
Strong analytical, project and product management skills, including a thorough understanding of how to interpret business needs and translate them into operational requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.