Automation Engineer

VERBIO North America; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Profit sharing

Career development

Job summary

VERBIO North America seeks a Senior Automation Engineer in South Bend, IN to support and enhance process control automation across the facility, maintaining DCS/PLC platforms and troubleshooting automated equipment. You will lead automation projects, perform root cause analysis, and work with site teams and vendors to ensure sustained gains.

The role reports to the Engineering Manager, with a comprehensive benefits package and growth opportunities within VERBIO's North American operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required and 5+ years of industrial experience.
• Strong PLC/HMI troubleshooting and programming skills.
• Experience leading multiple automation projects.
• Ability to read procedures and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and improve process control automation with cross-functional teams.
• Identify operational losses and implement improvements.
• Ensure sustained gains from automation projects.
• Collaborate with site teams and external vendors on automation projects.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Root cause analysis

Process control

Project management

Leadership

Reading drawings

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Automation Engineering

Tools

SCADA

PLC software

HMI software

Job description

In this role, you will work closely with the Process Engineering and Production teams to support and enhance process control automation across the facility. You will maintain and improve DCS and PLC platforms, troubleshoot automated equipment, and help identify and resolve technical issues through root cause analysis. Using PLC software and process control tools, you will support automation projects, improve machine functionality, and help eliminate inefficiencies while ensuring automation improvements are successfully implemented and sustained. This position reports directly to the Engineering Manager.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Maintain and support DCS and PLC platforms.
• Utilize PLC software to enhance, modify, and troubleshoot machine functions and capabilities.
• Provide engineering support to operations by troubleshooting automated equipment, resolving technical issues, and performing root cause analysis.
• Implement process automation solutions on DCS platforms in coordination with site teams and external vendors.
• Develop, manage, execute, and support the start-up of automation projects.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with Process Engineering and Production teams to deploy and improve process control automation.
• Identify top operational losses and execute improvements to eliminate inefficiencies.
• Ensure that gains achieved from automation projects are sustained over time.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve process control and automation through new tools, technologies, and process improvements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Automation Engineering
• 5+ years of hands-on industrial and/or manufacturing experience
• Capability to program and troubleshoot complex PLC, HMI, and components
• Experience with automation, process control, or other manufacturing and E&I equipment
• Project management experience with the ability to manage multiple projects
• Leadership of a team to develop, manage and execute projects
• The ability to read and understand operating procedures, manuals and drawings
• Strong time management and organizational skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must wear and maintain company required Personal Protective Equipment including, but not limited to: FR pants/ long-sleeve shirt, safety glasses, hard hat, safety-toe boots, hearing protection, and gloves
• Physically able to perform the following job essential functions, inclusive of but not limited to: crouching, kneeling, bending, walking long distances, lifting/pushing/pulling/carrying up to 50 pounds, work at heights, continuous work in confined spaces, ascend/ descend/ work from: stairs/ladders/scaffolding.
• Must have the ability to work continuously in an environment inclusive of but not limited to: dust, loud noise(s), walk on uneven or slippery surfaces, outdoors, heat/cold, poorly illuminated areas.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a bonus. The starting salary is based on the candidate's experience, education, and market pay for the role in the region. As a team member at Verbio North America, you’ll also enjoy:

• Comprehensive benefits package beginning day one, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Company paid short & long-term disability coverage as well as AD&D.
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time with additional leave plans
  • 11 paid holidays
  • 5 sick/personal days
  • Paid vacation time
• Company contribution of 3% safe harbor and 2 % profit sharing in accordance with the contribution and vesting schedule
• Advancement and bonus opportunities
• Career Development: on-the-job training and skills development.

ABOUT US:

South Bend Ethanol, LLC , is the most recent plant acquisition. As a global leader in the renewable energy industry, this will be Verbio’s second US production facility following the successful commissioning of its Nevada, IA plant. The site will be developed over the next three years incorporating Verbio’s advanced engineering and operating technology practices. Verbio intends to expand and develop the plant into a modern biorefinery at an estimated total investment of $230 million.

VERBIO SE (VERBIO) , with headquarters in Leipzig, Germany, is a leading independent manufacturer of biofuels and bioenergy in Germany and Europe. The company began producing biofuel in 2001 and today has approximately 900 employees at its locations in Germany, Poland, Hungary, India, USA and Canada producing biodiesel, bioethanol and biomethane (renewable natural gas), as well as feed, bio-fertilizers and other high-value by-products for the nutrition, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, all on an industrial scale. VERBIO concentrates on the use of internally developed innovative and efficient energy-saving production processes. With its innovative processes and highly efficient production plants, VERBIO is a technology leader in the biofuels market.

In January 2018, VERBIO SE formed its US subsidiary, VERBIO North America (VNA), with headquarters in Livonia, Michigan, USA. VNA plans to build, own, operate, and finance biofuel facilities across the United States and Canada.

Our Vision

Energy production from renewable resources is the key component of the world’s future energy mix. Renewable raw materials have the potential to permanently replace fossil fuels and simultaneously solve the problem of surplus agricultural production in North America and elsewhere.

It is VERBIO’s goal to be a leader in 21st-century alternative green energy solutions. As we consolidate and expand our position as one of the world’s leading biofuels producers, we will leverage our technologies and the value of agriculture to create renewable and sustainable solutions globally, while pursuing solid growth and responsible relationships with our stakeholders: farmers, customers, employees, shareholders, partners, researchers, consumers, governmental entities, and interest groups.

Our Mission

VERBIO North America is committed to the principle of sustainability and treats natural resources in a socially responsible and ethical manner. Using the latest in-house technologies, we are developing sustainable alternatives for a world that seeks to move away from fossil fuels. Our business model endeavors to ignite change and create platforms where the path to green energy is contagious.

With our fuel cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil fuels, we are showing the way forward in climate protection. With a vision for a greener future, we are building strong competence centers and competitive production facilities in various parts of the world, while our employees partner with farmers to safeguard the environment for current and future generations.

Our Approach

• Be creative, innovative, ethical, and fast in execution.
• Partner with agriculture to safeguard land and natural resources for future generations.
• Create enthusiasm around sustainability and renewable energy production.
• Empower employees to develop & execute upon big ideas.
• Be good citizens in our local & global communities.
• Never stop technological improvement.

How to Apply:

Except where prohibited by state law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a background check and drug test.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form (I-9) upon hire.

Verbio North America reserves the right to change job descriptions and wage scales at its discretion based on market and company conditions. Positions will be filled based on experience, prior work history, education, and competence.

Verbio North America is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s).

Verbio North America is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization. Verbio North America makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.