Automation Engineer

CANPACK Group; Olyphant (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CANPACK Group in USA – Olyphant, PA is seeking an Automation Engineer to ensure reliability and performance of production machinery. You will lead advanced diagnostics, supervise interventions, and mentor maintenance staff.

The role focuses on preventive/predictive maintenance, safety and compliance, documenting activities, and collaborating with engineering and reliability teams on modernization projects to improve plant efficiency and energy use.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in advanced automation, system integration, and process optimization.
• Expert-level understanding of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Strong knowledge of safety procedures, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to interpret production machinery documentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced diagnostics and performance analysis of automation systems to ensure long-term reliability and support strategic maintenance planning.
• Supervise and execute complex automation interventions, including installation, modernization, and optimization of systems and control circuits.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance strategies for key automation infrastructure, ensuring compliance with reliability and safety standards.
• Supervise and audit the condition of automation installations, identify systemic risks, and recommend corrective actions.
• Resolve complex automation failures using advanced diagnostic techniques and coordinate cross-functional response efforts.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions for recurring automation system failures.
• Modify and optimize control programs to improve process safety, quality, or efficiency.
• Ensure accurate documentation and reporting of all activities in accordance with company standards.
• Adhere to GMP principles, maintaining 5S and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Provide training and knowledge transfer to junior automation staff and maintenance personnel.
• Participate in strategic modernization projects, collaborating with engineering and reliability teams to improve plant performance and energy efficiency.

Skills

Automation expertise

System integration

Process optimization

Preventive maintenance

Predictive maintenance

Safety procedures

Regulatory compliance

Documentation interpretation

Continuous Improvement

PLC

SCADA

Robotics

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

PLC

SCADA

Robotics

Job description

Job Title Automation Engineer Department Maintenance/Engineering Reports to Electrical Manager Employment Status Regular, Full-Time FLSA Classification Exempt Shift Day Location USA – Olyphant, PA (greater Scranton, PA Area) Travel 5 – 10% Position Summary Ensure sustained reliability and optimal performance of production machinery by leading advanced interventions, diagnostics, and maintenance initiatives related to automation systems. Serve as technical expert and mentor, promoting best practices, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement. Essential Functions/Key Deliverables • Conducting advanced diagnostics and performance analysis of automation systems to ensure long-term reliability and support strategic maintenance planning. • Supervising and executing complex automation interventions, including installation, modernization, and optimization of systems and control circuits. • Developing and implementing preventive maintenance strategies for key automation infrastructure, ensuring compliance with reliability and safety standards. • Supervising and auditing the condition of automation installations, identifying systemic risks, and recommending corrective and improvement actions. • Resolving complex automation failures using advanced diagnostic techniques and coordinating cross-functional response efforts. • Conducting root cause analysis and implementing permanent corrective actions for recurring automation system failures. • Modifying and optimizing control programs to improve process safety, quality, or efficiency. • Ensuring accurate documentation and reporting of all activities in accordance with company standards. • Adhering to GMP principles, maintaining order according to 5S and continuous improvement methodologies. • Performing other duties as assigned by supervisor, in line with the scope of the position and employment agreement. • Acting as a technical expert and mentor, providing training and knowledge transfer to junior automation staff and maintenance personnel. • Participating in strategic projects and modernization initiatives, collaborating with engineering and reliability teams to improve plant performance and energy efficiency. • Installs and configures new hardware and software and provide user training and support as necessary Knowledge/Skills/Experience • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, or related field. • Minimum 7 years of experience in advanced automation, system integration, and process optimization within industrial or manufacturing environments • Expert-level understanding of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies. • Deep expertise in safety procedures, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. • Technical proficiency in interpreting production machinery documentation. • Advanced expertise in PLC, SCADA, robotics, and system integration. • Comprehensive knowledge of industry standards and ability to ensure full compliance across operations. • Strong capability to apply and lead Continuous Improvement initiatives, driving efficiency and reliability improvements. Physical Demands N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position. O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day) F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day) C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day) Lift/Carry 10 lbs or less F 11-25 lbs F Push/Pull 10 lbs or less F 11-25 lbs F Stand O Walk O Sit O Manually Manipulate O Reach Outward O Reach Above Shoulder O Climb O Crawl O Squat or Kneel O Bend O Other Physical Requirements Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth) Sense of Sound - Ability to understand conversational speaking Sense of Touch Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - per safety guidelines Mobility to cover expansive manufacturing environment Work Environment Ability to work in an environment that can become very hot (temperature) depending on the weather. Reasonable Accommodations Statement To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions