Process Automation Engineer

GEA Germany GmbH; Oakdale (MN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

12 paid holidays + 136 hours PTO

7% 401(k) employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Health Savings and Spending

Job summary

GEA Group in Oakdale, MN is seeking a Process Automation Engineer to support projects across the Nutrition Plant Engineering Division in North America. The role offers a hybrid work schedule and involvement in diverse industries including Food, Dairy, Beverage, Brewery, Chemical and Pharmaceutical.

The candidate will design electrical control systems, coordinate with product departments, and ensure systems meet standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Must possess good English language communication skills both verbal and written.
• Must possess good interpersonal skills and work well in a team setting as well as independently as required.
• Computer literate (word processing ~60 wpm, Excel, e-mail).
• Advantageous to have working knowledge of MS Office products.
• Ability to travel 25%.

Responsibilities

• Designs electrical control panels and control systems by applying knowledge of electricity, materials, and instrumentation/control equipment.
• Incorporates specifications and requirements into system design and specifies and requisitions equipment accordingly.
• Coordinates and supervises design requirements with designers.
• Assures product quality by designing electrical testing methods; testing finished products and system capabilities.
• Coordinates, supervises and inspects the activity of electricians performing system wiring at in-house and customer sites.
• Provides electrical checkout of systems in-house and at customer sites.
• Generates detailed process Functional Descriptions (FDs) from general process descriptions handed over from the product departments.
• Coordinates with product departments to ensure programming meets requirements.
• Coordinates with Team Lead - Process Automation to implement standards in control systems.
• Designs software applications by applying knowledge of computer programs, systems, and networks, or by supervising subcontractors.
• Tests software applications by simulating tests on hardware platforms or emulators.
• Coordinate schedule and budget with Team Lead - Process Automation and Project Manager.
• Completes projects by commissioning instrumentation, electrical, and control systems at customer sites.
• Maintains confidentiality and company reputation; adheres to regulations.

Skills

Analytical skills

English communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork/Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Responsibilities / Tasks Hiring Requirements

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $70,000 to $90,000 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States. The pay range is not guaranteed compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Job Summary

The Process Automation Engineer role is located in Oakdale, MN and is a key contributor within the Automation Engineering team, supporting projects across the Nutrition Plant Engineering Division in North America. Projects span a wide range of industries and technologies, including Food, Dairy, Beverage, Brewery, Chemical, Pharmaceutical. This position offers the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs electrical control panels and control systems by applying knowledge of electricity, materials, and instrumentation/control equipment.
• Incorporates specifications and requirements into system design and specifies and requisitions equipment accordingly.
• Coordinates and supervises design requirements with designers.
• Assures product quality by designing electrical testing methods; testing finished products and system capabilities.
• Coordinates, supervises and inspects the activity of electricians performing system wiring both in-house (skid systems) and at customer sites.
• Provides electrical checkout of systems in-house and at customer sites.
• Generates detailed process Functional Descriptions (FDs) from general process descriptions handed over from the product departments.
• Coordinates with the product departments to ensure the programming will meet their requirements.
• Coordinates with Team Lead - Process Automation to fully understand the Process Automation standards, and to implement those concepts in the control systems.
• Designs software applications by applying knowledge of computer programs, systems, and networks, and/or by supervising and coordinating the design done by subcontractors.
• Tests software applications by performing simulation testing of software on the hardware platforms or emulators.
• Coordinate schedule and budget with the Team Lead - Process Automation and the Project Manager.
• Completes projects by commissioning instrumentation, electrical, and control systems at customer sites.
• Maintains product and company reputation by utilizing established equipment, procedures, and designs, and complying with federal, state and local regulations.
• Maintains confidentiality by keeping information confidential.
• Prepares documentation to be included in operating manual by identifying and describing equipment operating characteristics.
• Contributes to team effort by assisting others with their projects and completing non-project related tasks as assigned.

Other duties may be assigned as required.

Your Profile / Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Must have proven analytical skills.
• Must possess good English language communication skills both verbal and written skills.
• Must possess good interpersonal skills and work well in a team setting as well as independently as required.
• Computer literate, (word processing at 60 wpm, Excel spreadsheet, e-mail).
• Advantageous to have working knowledge of MS Office products.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must be able to travel as assignments require (25%).

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

#engineeringforthebetter

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

#LI-LS1

GEA is one of the largest suppliers of process technology for the food industry and a wide range of other industries. The international technology group focuses on process technology and components for sophisticated production processes in various end-user markets.