Downstream Engineer

ALPLA Group; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement and educational

Career growth and advancement

Job summary

ALPLA Group in Bowling Green, KY is seeking a Downstream Engineer to ensure optimal performance of automated downstream packaging and material flow systems. You will apply mechanical, electrical, and control systems expertise to maintain uptime and drive efficiency across operations.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering and 5+ years in automated manufacturing, with PLCs, robotics, and HMI experience. Join a global leader committed to safety, training, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering (or related field).
• 5+ years of experience in an automated or high-speed manufacturing environment preferred.
• Proficiency with PLCs, robotics, motion systems, and industrial automation technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and reliability engineering.
• Experience with project management, vendor coordination, and system commissioning is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues in automated downstream equipment, including robotics, conveyors, packaging, and palletizing systems.
• Analyze system performance data to identify opportunities for process improvement and equipment optimization.
• Develop and maintain equipment documentation, engineering standards, and maintenance procedures.
• Support integration of PLC, HMI, and networked control systems within manufacturing operations.
• Lead or assist in capital projects involving automation upgrades, layout changes, and system retrofits.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure safety and quality standards.
• Provide technical training and support to maintenance and production staff.
• Lead RCA activities with cross-functional teams.

Skills

PLCs

Robotics

Motion systems

Industrial automation

Analytical thinking

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

PLC Systems

HMI

Networked control systems

Job description

ALPLA Bowling Green 2 Plant
377 Southwood Ct
Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA

Description

Build a Career, Not Just a Job

Join ALPLA, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions serving some of the world's most recognized brands, including P&G, Unilever, L'Oréal, PepsiCo, and many more.

As a family-owned company with locations around the world, ALPLA offers stable careers, hands-on training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for growth. Whether you're an experienced manufacturing professional or looking to start a new career, we provide the support and development you need to succeed.

What Can You Expect From ALPLA

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Childcare and dependent care savings programs
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance programs
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Employee recognition programs
• Hands-on training and professional development
• A stable, growing company committed to sustainability

Ready to Build Your Future?

Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is supported, and your career can grow with a global industry leader.

What You Will Enjoy Doing

The Downstream Engineer is responsible for ensuring the optimal performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of automated downstream manufacturing systems. This role focuses on the post-production processes that include product handling, packaging, palletizing, labeling, and automated material flow. The engineer applies a blend of mechanical, electrical, and control systems expertise to maintain up time, enhance system integration, and drive efficiency across automated operations.

• Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues in automated downstream equipment, including robotics, conveyors, packaging, and palletizing systems
• Analyze system performance data to identify opportunities for process improvement and equipment optimization.
• Develop and maintain equipment documentation, engineering standards, and maintenance procedures.
• Support integration of PLC, HMI, and networked control systems within manufacturing operations.
• Lead or assist in capital projects involving automation upgrades, layout changes, and system retrofits.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Provide technical training and support to maintenance and production staff
• Leads RCA activities with cross functional teams. Greenbelt/Blackbelt

What Makes You Great

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering (or related field) preferred
• 5+ years of experience in an automated or high-speed manufacturing environment preferred
• Proficiency with PLCs, robotics, motion systems, and industrial automation technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and reliability engineering.
• Experience with project management, vendor coordination, and system commissioning is preferred.
• RCA leadership training and skill set preferred
• Background and training facilitation preferred

Performance Metrics:

• Unplanned Downtime Reduction: Year-over-year decrease of >= 10%.
• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): Continuous improvement based on historical baseline.
• Mean Time to Repair (MTTR): Target reduction by 15% through effective troubleshooting and maintenance planning.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Completion Rate: 100% of major equipment failures investigated with formal RCA.
• Corrective Action Implementation: >= 90% of recommended improvements implemented within agreed timelines.
• Automation Improvement Projects: Minimum of 2 cost-saving or process‑enhancing projects completed per year.
• Ensures Accountability
• Decision Quality
• Communicates Effectively
• Values Differences
• Drives Results

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 duties of this job:

• The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms and very occasionally to climb or balance.
• The employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit.
• The employee must regularly lift and/ or move up to 10 lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 30 lbs and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

It is required to act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner at all times by adhering to all ALPLA policies and procedures and Safety Standards (OSHA). #maintenance #BOW2

ALPLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: ALPLA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

All employment decisions at ALPLA are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

ALPLA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.