Senior Process Automation Engineer - Dairy Plant Innovation

fairlife, LLC; Coopersville (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

Parental leave

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

fairlife, LLC in Chicago area is seeking a Process Automation Engineer to oversee automation from milk intake to packaging, ensuring reliability and cost efficiency. The role collaborates cross-functionally with manufacturing, IT, quality, and R&D to implement advanced automation and new technologies.

The position requires 5+ years in automation leadership, a BS in engineering, and strong PLC/SCADA skills. Travel to plants is expected, with a competitive compensation package and comprehensive

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in automation engineering and operations
• Bachelor of science degree in electrical, mechanical, computer, or chemical engineering or equivalent experience
• Proven track record of improving manufacturing processes through re-design, automation, and the introduction of new technologies
• Programming experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix and SLC500 PLCs, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Allen Bradley VFDs
• Knowledge of NEC and international standards
• Proficiency designing and programming controls with PLCs/SCADA/HMI
• Proficiency with control system networking technologies and PC networking
• Experience with SQL Server, Oracle or other relational databases, PowerBI preferred
• Strong attention to detail and business analytics; excellent communication and presentation skills
• Familiarity with instrumentation and sensors
• Ability to travel; fluent English (reading/writing)

Responsibilities

• Define electrical and automation objectives for capacity expansion projects and oversee the automation process design from milk receiving to finished product
• Assist in development and commercialization of new technologies to improve quality, efficiency, and speed to market
• Develop, review and update electrical and automation specifications
• Review line/plant designs to reduce food safety risk and improve efficiency and costs
• Solve complex process problems and coordinate with plants for timely resolutions
• Support process monitoring systems to enhance efficiency, reduce losses, and improve TOC
• Define standards to improve accuracy and efficiency of equipment
• Develop relationships globally to stay informed on best practices in dairy automation
• Ensure compliance with FDA, regulatory requirements, policies, and SOPs

Skills

Automation leadership

PLC programming

Electrical engineering

SCADA/HMI programming

Control systems design

Industrial networking

SQL / Databases

PowerBI

Communication skills

Travel flexibility

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix/CompactLogix/SLC500)

Siemens / Mitsubishi PLCs

VFDs

SCADA / HMI

SQL Server / Database tooling

Job description

fairlife, LLC in Chicago area is seeking a Process Automation Engineer to oversee automation from milk intake to packaging, ensuring reliability and cost efficiency. The role collaborates cross-functionally with manufacturing, IT, quality, and R&D to implement advanced automation and new technologies.

The position requires 5+ years in automation leadership, a BS in engineering, and strong PLC/SCADA skills. Travel to plants is expected, with a competitive compensation package and comprehensive