PLC Controls Specialist

Dairy Farmers of America; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America in Albuquerque, NM seeks an Electrical/Process Controls Engineer to lead design, installation, and optimization of control systems for dairy processing facilities.

You will manage projects, coordinate with vendors, and ensure GMP compliance while maintaining budgets and schedules, leveraging knowledge of FDA/OSHA/USDA standards.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate engineering degree (preferably electrical) or equivalent experience.
• 5–8 years of multi-disciplinary technical experience in food industry with plant construction/expansion.
• Experience with HMI and ControlLogix programming, schematics, and related tech.
• Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on controls, electrical design, construction, and maintenance.
• Develop and maintain process controls specifications and project parameters.
• Lead overall control and electrical engineering plans across locations and manage vendors.
• Maintain capital budgets and equipment schedules per construction/expansion goals.
• Communicate project priorities, timetables, and budgets with DFA staff.
• Approve technical specifications and drive best-cost engineering solutions.
• Improve internal systems and reduce operating costs through robust engineering choices.
• Stay current with engineering trends and enforce GMP, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Follow DFA GMP and regulatory requirements; perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Process controls

Electrical design

Project management

Vendor management

GMP knowledge

Communication

English proficiency

Education

Undergraduate engineering degree (electrical preferred)

Tools

HMI

ControlLogix programming

Electrical schematics

SAP / EAM

Microsoft Office

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Facilitate new site construction, expansion, renovation, or equipment and facility design with expertise regarding process controls, electrical engineering, and related systems and equipment. This position primarily supports single plant facilities and assists other facilities with controls support and refinement as needed.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide management with information and guidance on all aspects of controls, electrical design, construction, and maintenance matters. Investigate and report on problems and recommend solutions
• Develop, organize, and maintain process controls and electrical engineering specifications, standards, and process equipment operational parameters to ensure process stability while maximizing manufacturing process efficiencies
• Develop and manage implementation of overall process control and electrical engineering plans and projects for assigned location. Manage multiple projects, vendors, and contractors as related to implementation of engineering plans
• Maintain capital budget and equipment schedules in accordance with plant construction, expansion, or new product objectives
• Communicate with DFA personnel on projects, priorities, timetables, and budgets
• Serve as technical authority on process controls and electrical engineering matters. Approve technical specifications on drawings and literature for process controls and electrical engineering
• Reduce facility and manufacturing operating costs by providing best option technical solutions and utilizing best method analyses towards improving internal systems
• Remain current knowledge of engineering trends and developments for application. Recommend changes in policies and procedures as appropriate
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Other Responsibilities

• Work with equipment manufacturers and maintenance staff on set up of preventive maintenance tasks and spare parts inventory for supported equipment
• Coordinate, track, and maintain all work orders
• Close corrective and preventive maintenance work orders upon completion and include pertinent information for equipment files
• Maintain up-to-date library of machine manuals, prints, and schematics
• Data enters procurement and inventory records by appropriate category (e.g., account, cost center, project) into the appropriate system (EAM/SAP)
• Print and/or provide corrective work orders, preventive maintenance work orders, and parts automatic orders on a daily, weekly, and/or monthly basis

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate degree in engineering (preferably electrical engineering) or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 5 to 8 years of multi-disciplinary technical experience in food industry (preferably dairy), including plant construction and/or expansion or related field
• Experience with HMI and ControlLogix Programming, one-line and electrical schematic design, electrical equipment, or other relevant technologies (i.e., pump and VFD control, configuration, and instrumentation)
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of architectural, mechanical, electrical and process engineering with emphasis on process controls
• Knowledge of Federal Drug Administration (FDA), GMP, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies and regulations
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Knowledge of regulatory codes and translating into blueprints and schematics
• Knowledge of project management processes, techniques, and tools
• Skill in planning, organization, analysis, and leadership
• Skill in contractor and vendor management
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to think ahead and plan for one to three year timeframe
• Able to complete problem analysis and resolution for both strategic and functional levels
• Able to manage projects for multiple plants simultaneously
• Able to lead people and get results through others
• Able to communicate with diverse range of individuals to ensure needs and requirements are met
• Able to think creatively and develop short- and long-range innovation
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans