Automation Engineering Specialist

Reynolds Consumer Products; Parkland (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Reynolds Consumer Products in Louisville, KY is seeking an Automation Engineering Specialist to lead maintenance and improvements on automated equipment and control systems. The role collaborates with engineering, maintenance, production, and union teams to optimize performance.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in industrial automation, strong troubleshooting, and the ability to read electrical schematics, with a focus on safety and teamwork in a fast-paced plant.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with industrial automation equipment, PLCs, HMIs, and control systems.
• Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in electrical and mechanical systems.
• Effective communication and ability to work in a union environment.

Responsibilities

• Install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain automated equipment and control systems.
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Diagnose electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and software issues.
• Assist with setup, testing, and commissioning of new equipment and upgrades.
• Read and interpret schematics and drawings.
• Document repairs and changes accurately.
• Coordinate with union personnel and plant teams.
• Follow safety, lockout/tagout, and labor procedures.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC troubleshooting

Electrical diagrams

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Education

Associate degree or technical diploma

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Fanuc

Job description

Overview

Join Reynolds Consumer Products as an Automation Engineering Specialist in Louisville, KY. We provide a fast-paced, high‑performance environment with competitive salaries and benefits.

Responsibilities

Your Role:

The Automation Engineering Specialist is the subject‑matter expert for automated equipment and control systems. The role supports, maintains, troubleshoots, and improves automated equipment and control systems in a manufacturing environment while collaborating closely with engineering, maintenance, production, and union teams. Reporting directly to the Electrical Engineering Manager.

• Install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain automated equipment, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motors, actuators, robotics, and related control systems.
• Support automation and production equipment through preventive and corrective maintenance activities, driving improved reliability and reduced downtime.
• Diagnose electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and software‑related issues in automated systems.
• Assist with the setup, testing, and commissioning of new equipment, upgrades, and process improvements.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and mechanical drawings.
• Support automation engineers in programming, configuring, and optimizing control systems and production processes.
• Document repairs, maintenance activities, system changes, and troubleshooting steps accurately.
• Work collaboratively with union employees, union representatives, and other plant personnel in a respectful, professional manner.
• Coordinate work assignments and troubleshooting efforts in accordance with facility policies, labor agreements, and established procedures.
• Follow all safety procedures, company policies, and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Work with Maintenance Supervisors to coordinate outside contractors as needed for approved projects.
• Work with plant personnel to identify savings and justification for projects.
• Test new software systems or equipment to be used in automation processes to ensure it meets the plant’s needs.
• Bridge the gap between technical and non‑technical teams through clear and concise communication.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to support informed decision‑making across all levels of the organization.

You will love it here if…

• You put safety first, always.
• You listen, learn, and evolve.
• You are passionate about collaboration, teamwork, and achieving shared goals.
• You treat all people with respect, operate ethically, and embrace inclusivity.
• You are committed to improving our impact on local communities.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s degree, technical diploma, or equivalent experience in automation, electrical, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or a related field.

Experience

• 3+ years working with industrial automation equipment, PLCs, HMIs, and control systems (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Fanuc).
• Strong troubleshooting skills in electrical and mechanical systems.
• Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work independently, as part of a team, and in a union environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Skilled in lock‑out / tag‑out safe work practices.
• Must be team‑oriented with the ability to work on high collaboration and performance teams.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Well‑written communications that simplify complex technical topics for a broad audience.

Icing on the Cake

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Project Management experience.
• Wonderware knowledge.
• DCS familiarity.
• ABB system knowledge.
• Lean Manufacturing Practices.

Additional Information

Local candidates only, no relocation assistance available.

For applicants or employees who are disabled or require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may request assistance by emailing [e-mail].

RCP affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, sex, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, genetic information, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. RCP conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.