Automation and Systems engineer

California Sugar Refiners LLC; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Zucarmex, USA in San Diego, CA is seeking an Automation and Systems Engineer to lead plant automation, data integration, and device programming. You will build mobile-first interfaces for operators, connect sensors to live dashboards, and manage PLC/HMI configurations across lines.

You will apply expertise in Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms, ensure safety compliance, and drive projects from concept to commissioning while coordinating with maintenance and IT teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field is required.
• 1+ year hands-on experience in internal application development or PLC systems.
• Proficiency with AB Studio 5000 and Siemens TIA Portal and HMIs.
• Strong analytical troubleshooting in high-speed industrial environments.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&ID and loop diagrams.
• Familiarity with SQF/HACCP/GMP and NFPA 70E/LOTO safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop mobile-first interfaces for plant operators with bilingual support.
• Create real-time dashboards connecting sensors and CCP data.
• Program and maintain Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs and HMIs.
• Tune PID loops and calibrate field instrumentation.
• Design industrial networks and manage OT security boundaries.
• Maintain version control, documentation, and backups for codebases.
• Lead automation projects from requirements to handoff.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA design

Industrial networks

Real-time dashboards

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics/Automation/Manufacturing/Electrical or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

RSLogix

Siemens TIA Portal

FactoryTalk View

WinCC

EtherNet/IP / Profinet

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Automation and Systems engineer

Full Time San Diego, CA, US

Company Overview:

Zucarmex, USA is a thought leader in the Sugar Refining business. The success of our business is dependent on the trust and confidence we earn from our employees, customers and shareholders. We gain credibility by adhering to our commitments, displaying honesty and integrity and reaching company goals solely through honorable conduct. For over 100 years, the way we work is a direct reflection of our company culture; we believe in accountability and constantly striving for growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Include the following. Other duties will likely be assigned.

• User Experience & Mobile Interfaces: Develop mobile-first and tablet-friendly (iPad) interfaces for plant operators with bilingual support (English/Spanish) to ensure seamless usability and adoption across production shifts.
• Data Integration & Real-Time Dashboards: Connect sensors, field data, lab results, and CCP parameters into real-time production dashboards and plant TV displays using APIs, controlled polling, and custom reporting tools.
• PLC & HMI/SCADA Automation Systems: Program, troubleshoot, and maintain Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, RSLogix) and Siemens (TIA Portal) PLCs, as well as FactoryTalk View and WinCC HMI/SCADA applications across all processing lines.
• Control Loops & Field Instrumentation: Specify, calibrate, and tune PID control loops and field instrumentation (4-20 mA, HART, RTDs, thermocouples, pressure/level/flow transmitters, control valves) for sugar refining processes.
• Industrial Networks & Hardware: Design and manage industrial Ethernet networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/RTU), VFDs (Allen-Bradley PowerFlex, Siemens Sinamics), and soft starters, ensuring OT network segmentation from corporate IT.
• System Backups & Version Control: Maintain rigorous version control, full documentation, P&IDs, loop diagrams, I/O lists, and routine backups for all PLC, HMI, SCADA, and internal codebases to prevent downtime and data loss.
• Continuous Improvement & Engineering Projects: Lead automation, digitization, and process optimization projects from requirement gathering and technical/financial justification to execution, commissioning, and final handoff.
• Safety Interlocks & System Standards: Implement equipment safety interlocks, permissives, and emergency shutdown logic in PLCs to protect personnel, machinery, and product integrity.
• Quality, SQF & HACCP Compliance: Support SQF, HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and food defense standards by ensuring automated systems maintain accurate CCP data logging, audit trails, and process traceability.
• Electrical Safety & Technical Support: Adhere to NFPA 70E arc flash safety and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols during control panel interventions. Provide user support, technical documentation, training, and vendor/integrator coordination.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Preferred Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 1+ year of hands-on experience in internal application development, industrial programming, PLC systems, or plant operational software systems.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000) and Siemens (TIA Portal) PLC platforms, IEC 61131-3 languages (Ladder, Structured Text), and HMI design (FactoryTalk View, WinCC)
• Skills:
  Strong analytical troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving capabilities in high-speed industrial environments.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, panel layouts, and loop diagrams.
• Knowledge of industrial instrumentation (4-20 mA calibration, PID loop tuning, VFD setup).
• Familiarity with food safety standards (SQF, HACCP, GMP) and industrial electrical safety (NFPA 70E, LOTO).
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Specific physical & visual abilities required: Close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit at a workstation, walk plant floors, reach with hands/arms, use hands to handle or feel technical equipment, and occasionally lift/move up to 25–50 lbs of testing tools/equipment.