Process Automation Engineer

fairlife•Coopersville, MI

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The Process Automation Engineer continuously supports plant processing, packaging and utility systems for reliability, total cost of ownership, effectiveness tracking, documenting areas of success, and driving opportunity areas for improvement and growth. In fulfilling this role, the Process Automation Engineer works cross functionally with commercial, manufacturing, engineering, IT, quality, R&D, and other functions within fairlife. They will be one of the top liaisons for procuring new equipment and incorporating our learnings with new technologies and processes to improve quality, efficiencies, and speed to market.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive leadership experience in automation engineering and operations disciplines
Bachelor of science degree in electrical, mechanical, computer, or chemical engineering or equivalent experience.
Proven track record of improving manufacturing processes through re-design, automation, and the introduction of new technologies
Programming experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix and SLC500 PLCs, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Allen Bradley VFDs, etc.
Knowledge of and familiarity with the National Electric Code (NEC) and international standards
Proficiency designing and programming control systems with emphasis on PLCs, SCADA or HMI systems
Proficiency with control system networking technologies and PC networking technologies
Proficiency working with SQL Server, Oracle or other relational databases
Strong attention to detail and business analytical skills
Demonstrated excellence in communication and presentation
Familiarity with instrumentation (flow meters, level transmitters, RTDs/temperature transmitters, level probes, etc.)
Ability to handle ambiguity and thrive in fast paced, entrepreneurial work environment
Ability to travel as needed
Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Microsoft PowerBI preferred

Responsibilities

Defining the electrical and automation objectives of capacity expansion projects and overseeing the automation process design from milk receiving to finished product container to achieve lowest risk design at lowest total cost of ownership.
Assisting in the development and commercialization of new technologies and processes to improve quality, efficiency, and speed to market.
Assisting in the development, review and updates of all electrical and automation functional specifications.
Reviewing new and existing line/plant designs to reduce food safety risk and improve the overall efficiency and cost of operations.
Solving complex process problems following escalation from plants; managing the process of escalation with plants to ensure a timely resolution.
Supporting development of process monitoring and situational awareness systems that enhance efficiency and reduce losses and total cost of ownership. Examples include design for extended run time, faster CIP turnaround, prediction of next CIP, energy recovery, water re-use, chemical re-use, etc.
Defining standards to improve the accuracy and efficiency of new and existing equipment.
Developing relationships globally in the dairy processing & automation industries to keep abreast of best-in-class performance of various designs.
Assuring plant compliance with Federal, State and Corporate environmental laws, rules & regulations.
Assuring that the process complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, PMO, other regulatory requirements, Company policies, operating procedures, processes, and task assignments.
Effectively collaborating and coordinating with plant & project engineering teams to ensure all project work is performed on time and within budget.
Supporting startup and commissioning activities.
Supporting validation activities.
Reviewing and executing Factory Acceptance Testing and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT) protocols from an electrical and automation perspective.
Documenting and clearly communicating the intent of the automation design of all new and existing aseptic filling equipment installed in the plants to key stakeholders.
Providing verbal and written reports to communicate project status as required and contributing to project review meetings.
Serving a key role in supporting the organization for the commercialization of new products.
Serving as a key decision maker in equipment vendor selection and contract negotiation.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups