Automation Controls Engineer

Dairy Farmers of America; Missouri; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America is looking for a General Purpose Supervisor to manage the day-to-day technical services of the facility. The role involves supervising automation, instrumentation, and electrical systems while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in food manufacturing with significant supervisory experience, and possess advanced knowledge in control networks and operational technology infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 4 years experience in food manufacturing.
• 10 years experience including 4 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience with control network maintenance and project management.

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve facility automation and electrical systems.
• Provide technical expertise for continuous improvement.
• Organize technical training for plant operatives.

Skills

Control network design

OT infrastructure management

Advanced PLC programming

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

High School Diploma/GED with 10 years experience

Tools

Rockwell automation systems

HMI programming (FT View)

Job description

General Purpose

Supervise and support day-to-day technical services of the facility. Provide technical support and maintenance as directed in respect to process control management systems, related networks, and related technologies. Support the corporate automation network and to maintain communications, network, and software that is required for day-to-day manufacturing operations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage, maintain and improve the facility automation, instrumentation, and electrical systems
• Develop and manage support structure for operational technology (OT), including production line automation, controls, control networks, and other communication systems
• Provide technical expertise to assist the facility with continuously improving the dairy process control, utility, operations, and energy management; reduce usage; improve quality; and reduce their overall cost of operation
• Provide management with information and guidance on all aspects of controls network design/server and maintenance matters. Investigate and report on problems and recommend solutions
• Maintain effective maintenance programs for facility, electrical distribution, plant utility systems, architecture, process instrumentation, and all production machinery and equipment through assigned staff and outside contractors to support sustained plant operations and efficiency
• Implement annual capital plan in specific area of responsibility. Coordinate projects working with cross-functional teams to minimize plant downtime while completing projects on time and within budget Design and support 3-5 years long-term plan (road map) for control network system and server upgrade
• Develop, organize, and maintain plant control network specifications/standards to ensure process stability while maximizing manufacturing process efficiencies
• Stay abreast of engineering trends and developments for application. Recommend changes in policies and procedures as appropriate
• Coordinate and manage resources, both personnel (e.g., control specialist, technicians, contractors) and funding to ensure the project or mission fulfills and meets the set objectives defined within the approved scope
• Organize control network/server related technical training to improve plant operative technical skills
• Promote company culture; oversee assigned DFA and contract staff. Develop appropriate training programs to address developmental needs
• Verify adherence to DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate, regulatory, food safety, quality and sanitation requirements
• Ensure safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgment
• Attend required training, including but not limited to Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Travel

5-15% (1-3 times per year)

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and 10 years of experience in food manufacturing environment, including 4 years of direct supervisory experience
• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), 5 years of technical training in related mechanical and/or electrical studies, and 4 years of experience in food manufacturing environment, including 2 years of direct supervisory experience
• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience in food manufacturing environment, including 2 years of direct supervisory experience
• Capital project and capital project budget management experience
• Experience with control network design and maintenance plans (including design, deployment, and management); OT infrastructure (network, server, security) management, server and network switch configuration, VPN setup and management, and IP address management
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of control network design and maintenance plans, OT infrastructure (network, server, security) management, server and network switch configuration, VPN setup and management, and IP address management
• Knowledge on process control and control network, electrical schematics, HMI programming (FT View), advanced PLC programming, Rockwell automation systems, electrical equipment including pump/VSD maintenance, legacy automation, VFD, SLIC500, and instrumentation
• Knowledge of Federal Drug Administration (FDA), GMP, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies and regulations
• Knowledge of regulatory codes and translating into blueprints and schematics
• Knowledge of project management processes, techniques, and tools
• Skill in planning, organization, and analysis
• Skill in contractor and vendor management
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans