Downstream Engineer I

ALPLA Group; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

ALPLA Group in Kansas City is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to troubleshoot automated downstream equipment, analyze performance data, and drive reliability improvements across packaging lines. You will document standards, support PLC/HMI integration, and participate in capital projects with cross-functional teams.

The role requires a strong background in mechanical/electrical/mechatronics engineering, 5+ years in automation, and a proactive approach to safety and quality within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or mechatronics engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in automated/high-speed manufacturing environment preferred.
• Proficiency with PLCs, robotics, motion systems, and industrial automation technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with focus on reliability engineering.

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.

Skills

PLC proficiency

Robotics

Motion systems

Industrial automation

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelors in mechanical/electrical/mechatronics

Tools

PLCs

Robotics

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networks

Job description

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.

At ALPLA, we invest in our people, promote from within, and foster a culture focused on safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. From apprenticeship programs and technical training to leadership development opportunities, ALPLA is committed to helping employees build long‑term careers.

What You Can 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.

Apply today and discover what a career at ALPLA can offer.

What Will You Enjoy Doing

• 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

Performance Metrics:

• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE): ≥ 90% target for downstream systems.
• 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.

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.
• Greenbelt or Blackbelt certified preferred
• RCA leadership training and skill set preferred
• Background and training facilitation preferred

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, use hands tofinger, handle or feel.
• 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 to30 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).#KCI,#DownStream Engineer

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.