Automation and Controls Engineer or Associate Engineer

AeroFarms; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity

401(k) with match

4+ weeks PTO

Health plan

Job summary

AeroFarms in Danville, VA is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer or Associate Engineer to lead and maintain robotic and PLC controlled automation in our FDA/USDA regulated facility.

You will work with Allen Bradley, Siemens, Schneider platforms, troubleshoot servo/stepper systems, VFDs, sensors, and packaging lines; a 12-hour shift rotation is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or related field with 3+ years industrial experience.
• Or Associate's degree in Automation and Controls with 7–10 years of experience in highly automated facilities.

Responsibilities

• Improve, troubleshoot, and maintain robotic and PLC controlled automation equipment.
• Operate in FDA/USDA regulated facilities ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Troubleshoot PLCs and modify ladder logic; perform change control practices.
• Learn and work with multiple PLC platforms (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Control Logix, Wago).
• Maintain servo/stepper systems, weigh scales, printers, sensors, and packaging lines.
• Troubleshoot motion-controlled systems with robotic work cells and VFD motors.
• Support a 12-hour production shift rotation schedule.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Ladder logic

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Safety protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering

Tools

Allen Bradley

Siemens

Schneider

Control Logix

Wago

Job description

Automation and Controls Engineer or Associate Engineer

ABOUT AEROFARMS: AeroFarms is transforming agriculture with people and the planet in mind. As a Certified B Corporation and a pioneer in indoor vertical farming, we have built a proprietary agriculture platform to grow products, delivering superior flavor, better quality, and improved nutrition and food safety in our industry.

Join AeroFarms in revolutionizing indoor farming and high-speed packaging operations as our Automation and Controls Engineer at our cutting-edge facility in Danville, VA. We're seeking an experienced leader to drive operational excellence and ensure adherence to industry-leading standards in vertical farming and packaging efficiency demonstrating superior leadership in Food GMP Standards, and Employee Safety and Wellbeing.

Job Description

• Improve, troubleshoot, and maintain robotic and PLC controlled automation equipment.
• Perform work in an FDA/USDA regulated industry like food or medical manufacturing, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Be Fluent to perform PLC troubleshooting and able to modify code as needed in existing PLC programs to optimize efficiency and plant performance while using good change control practices.
• Learn and become proficient in multiple PLC branded platforms including Allen Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Control Logix, Wago, etc. type systems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot servo and stepper-controlled systems, weigh scales, ink jet printers, network devices, sensors, motors, valves, LED lighting, pumps, environmental sensors, automated packaging lines.
• Troubleshoot and maintain motion-controlled system with integrated robotic work cell systems.
• Understand VFD motor-controlled systems and troubleshoot for optimal performance and maintenance.
• Willingness to work with a 12-hour production shift rotation schedule.

Location: Danville, VA

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field, and 3+ years of industrial manufacturing experience; OR
• Associate's degree in Automation and Controls or related field, and 7-10 years of experience supporting highly automated facilities and equipment.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think analytically.
• Must be fluent in PLC understanding, troubleshooting and ability to program ladder logic.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and systems.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures in industrial settings.
• Willingness to work on 12-hour rotation schedule with production team.

Summary of Benefits

• Base salary range is $100,000–$130,000 annually, annual company/performance bonus, eligible for equity, matching 401k with no vesting period, 4+ weeks of vacation/sick time/PTO, group health plan including medical, dental, vision etc.