Automation Engineer

Creative Liquid Coatings; Howell (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Liquid Coatings in Howell, MI, seeks an Automation Engineer to lead capital projects for new technologies and automated equipment. You will manage cross-functional teams, develop robust project plans, and drive safe, on-schedule execution while meeting quality and budget targets.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and at least 5 years of engineering and manufacturing experience, with PLC and robotics knowledge.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years engineering and manufacturing experience.
• Experience with automation including automated equipment (PLC/robotics) and capital projects.
• Strong communication and budgeting skills to influence cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Effectively manage activities with emphasis on safety, quality, productivity, timing, and budget.
• Follow a formalized project management process and tools for flawless execution of capital projects.
• Develop robust project plans, gain cross-functional alignment and deliver per plan.
• Work with Procurement and OEMs to specify, procure, and validate capital equipment.
• Be SME for automated equipment including packaging and downstream lines.
• Direct and manage plant staff and external contractors to safely execute projects.
• Support productivity and cost reduction projects and implement best practices.
• Publish weekly project status reports and manage timelines and resources.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

PLC programming

Robotics

Capital projects

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field

Tools

Automation systems

Job description

This position will manage and support multiple complex capital projects related to new technologies, automated equipment and controls systems. Support continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing locations. Responsibilities heavily emphasize capital equipment project development and execution and managing these projects with the discipline and tools of a formalized project management process. Capable of managing multiple projects that impact multiple facilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Automation Engineer shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following tasks:

• Effectively manage activities with an emphasis on safety, quality, productivity, timing, and budget allowances of the project.
• Follow a formalized project management process and employ the appropriate tools to support flawless execution of capital projects.
• Develop robust project plans, gain cross-functional alignment and deliver per plan.
• Work with Procurement and OEMs to properly specify, procure, accept, install, and validate capital equipment.
• Be the subject matter expert for technologies including automated equipment such as, single-step, 2-step, extrusion blow mold machines, packaging equipment, and downstream equipment including palletizers and stretch wrapper equipment.
• Direct and manage activities of plant staff and external contractors to safely execute the project.
• Support productivity and cost reduction projects. Assist with the implementation of best practices.
• Perform feasibility studies of special operations and manufacturing projects as directed by the Director of Operations Engineering.
• Work with the VP of Operations, Operations Engineering Directors/Managers, Plant Managers, and plant staff, along with corporate R & D, Commercial teams, and Finance staff to develop feasibility studies and mutually agreeable implementation plans which meet cost and timing criteria.
• Communicate and resolve technical, timing, and budgetary issues related to projects as they arise.
• Understand plant infrastructure, molding machines and related equipment, as well as requirements for changes and upgrades to improve safety, quality, and overall efficiency.
• Analyze the business, performance, and cost capabilities and limitations of new, proposed, or existing equipment. Includes evaluation of machinery, equipment, tooling, workflow, and vendors.
• Communicate and resolve technical, timing, and budgetary issues related to projects as they arise.
• Publish weekly project status reports outlining project status and issues.
• Develop and manage task lists, timelines and resources for completion of projects.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an 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.

Education and Experience

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a technical or Engineering field or equivalent experience.

General Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years engineering and manufacturing experience. Knowledge of plant layouts and infrastructure equipment. Proven experience managing multiple resources and complex projects.
• Previous experience and knowledge of automation including automated equipment such as, single-step, 2-step, extrusion blow mold machines, packaging equipment, and downstream equipment a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills required to communicate technical and financial information and to complete project assignments on time and within approved budgets.
• Knowledge of project management processes, tools, and techniques.
• Strong communication and people skills to influence and manage multiple cross-functional resources.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• PLC and robotic programming knowledge.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this job, the associate is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. The associate is frequently required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The associate must occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are typical to standard office and manufacturing floor settings with moderate noise levels and high level of activity. The work will mostly be in a manufacturing environment with occasional work in a climate-controlled environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, and fumes. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.