Automation Engineer

Green Thumb Industries (GTI); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cannabis production firm in Chicago is seeking an Automation Engineer to develop and implement automated solutions. The candidate will collaborate with multiple teams to enhance processes and ensure efficient production. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in engineering and over 5 years of relevant experience. The role offers a competitive salary ranging from $100,000 to $125,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Operations and Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Solid understanding of the Medical Marijuana laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with various departments to integrate new systems.
• Develop and deploy automated solutions for efficiency.
• Work with site personnel for preventative maintenance planning.

Skills

Operations and Engineering experience in manufacturing

Strategic project oversight

TPM-based continuous improvement

Engineering problem solving

Industrial networking/automation

Data analytics for manufacturing operations

Critical thinking skills

Time management

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

SCADA-Ignition

PLC – AB

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Overview

The Automation Engineer is responsible for developing automated solutions, implementing new processes, optimizing existing processes, automated data collection, and executing the industrial control and programming strategy for GTI’s production facilities. This role collaborates with multiple teams to ensure fast, high-quality speed to market. Success is measured by delivering quality, detailed, and efficient solutions at scale. The Manufacturing Engineer plays a pivotal strategic role in priority projects from feasibility through a full IQ, OQ, PQ validation and hand-off with a technical transfer to the site production team, delivering productivity improvements and continuous improvement in collaboration with multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the efforts of Engineering and technical resources based on Senior Leadership Priorities and Site 90-day plan priorities.
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Product Development, Project Management, Quality, Compliance, Operations) to integrate new systems.
• Provide start-up management support for selected complex project integrations.
• Provide constant updates to the VP of Manufacturing on project status and facility improvement efforts.
• Serve as SME for automated packaging equipment, flow wrappers, beverage lines, multi‑combination scales, bag filling equipment, integrations, and automation.
• Conduct studies, identify problems, recommend alternatives, and implement solutions in coordination with other teams.
• Develop and deploy automated solutions to gain efficiency and streamline workflows.
• Provide support to start-up facilities via technical transfer, including staffing, equipment layout and requirements, construction hand-off, regulatory engagement, best-practice processes, and equipment-related transfer.
• Collaborate with integrators, contractors, and site personnel to bring new functionality online and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Work with site maintenance and facilities personnel to develop and execute preventative maintenance plans.
• Maintain up-to-date as-built records and drawings for existing and new deployments.
• Integrate existing equipment with live data streams to dashboards with historians, report generation, alarms, notifications, and live visuals for site teams to track daily production.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 5+ years of Operations and Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven strategic experience in overseeing all aspects of large-scale manufacturing projects.
• Knowledge of TPM-based continuous improvement methodology.
• Knowledge of Engineering problem solving.
• Able to diagnose complex technical systems and develop simple human-machine interface and training solutions for optimal operations.
• Experience in industrial networking/automation (SCADA-Ignition, ITOT, cybersecurity), controls experience (PLC – AB, Omron, Schneider, ladder logic/STX), data analytics for manufacturing operations (Power BI, Tableau), vision systems, and robotics.
• Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative, and able to work independently or in teams with good judgment, common sense, and resourcefulness.
• Adapts and thrives in a demanding, start-up, fast-paced environment.
• Strong critical thinking skills, effective time-management, and the ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work well with others while also completing individually assigned tasks.
• Maintains professionalism and integrity, including handling confidential information.
• Understands and complies with GTI rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Solid understanding of the Medical Marijuana laws, rules, and regulations set forth by the state, with a pursuit to further understanding of the industry and laws.

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess a valid state ID.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain state badging requirements to work in the cannabis industry (requires background check and state review).
• Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time, often with short notice.

Safety & Compliance

• Be aware of hazards in the workspace.
• Retain and understand department-specific training.
• Report safety incidents/concerns and comply with follow-up actions.
• Be compliant with area safety requirements, state regulations, and PPE requirements.
• Follow GMP, biosecurity, sanitation, or other quality and compliance requirements.
• Perform record-keeping accurately and completely as directed by a lead or supervisor.
• Maintain and calibrate tools, equipment, and machinery as directed by a lead or supervisor.
• Report and escalate safety and quality concerns.

Working Conditions

• Regularly required to reach, grasp, bend, stoop, talk, hear, see, and perform repetitive motions.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods while maintaining focus.
• Must be able to lift/carry/balance up to 50 pounds (up to 100 pounds with assistance) and handle product with care.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing, and challenging environment.
• Daily exposure to allergens (e.g., cannabis, tree nuts, coconut oil).

The pay range is competitive and based on experience, qualifications, and/or location of the role. Positions may be eligible for a discretionary annual incentive program driven by organization and individual performance.

Green Thumb Pay Range

$100,000 - $125,000 USD