Automation Engineer

CANPACK Colombia; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CANPACK Colombia seeks an Automation Engineer for the USA – Olyphant, PA facility. In Maintenance/Engineering, you will lead diagnostics and modernization of automation systems to ensure reliability and performance.

Requirements include 7+ years in automation, PLC/SCADA and robotics, strong safety and GMP knowledge, and mentoring staff. You will document activities and support continuous improvement projects across the plant.

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 in 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.
• Strong capability to lead Continuous Improvement initiatives, driving efficiency and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Lead diagnostics and maintenance initiatives for automation systems to ensure reliability.
• Supervise automation interventions including installation, modernization, and optimization of systems.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance strategies for automation infrastructure.
• Audit automation installations for risks and drive corrective actions.
• Resolve complex automation failures using advanced diagnostics and coordinate cross-functional responses.
• Provide training and mentoring to junior automation staff and maintenance personnel.
• Document activities in compliance with company standards, GMP, and 5S.

Skills

PLC/SCADA

Robotics

System integration

Preventive maintenance

Safety procedures

Documentation

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelors/Masters in Automation or Electrical Engineering

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

CANPACK Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or not related to job requirements, unless such distinction is required by law.