Sr. Associate, Automation & Control Engineering

alcon; Johns Creek (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Alcon, a leader in eye care, seeks an experienced Sr. Associate, Automation and Control Engineering in Johns Creek, GA. You will design, implement, and optimize automated manufacturing processes, including PLC/SCADA controls, with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.

You will lead cross-functional teams, support 24/7 production, and help drive continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. On-site employment is required at Johns Creek, GA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; fluent in English.
• 2 years of relevant experience in automation/controls.
• Onsite work location in Johns Creek, GA.
• Sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and design of manufacturing process improvements and equipment installations with plans, cross-functional coordination, and budgeting.
• Adapt designs to meet safety, quality, and performance demands while optimizing production conditions.
• Provide guidance on product design concepts and specification requirements for equipment and processes.
• Prepare and maintain data and reports to ensure GMP compliance.
• Identify process improvements to reduce waste using Lean and Six Sigma tools.
• Design, implement, install, and commission PLC and SCADA control systems.
• Specify and test user requirements, interfaces, components, and control system functions.
• Troubleshoot complex PLC and SCADA projects and provide expert-level support.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Root Cause Analysis

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Beckhoff PLC

Siemens PLC

SCADA systems

Job description

At Alcon, we're passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. With more than 25,000 associates, we innovate fearlessly, champion progress, and act swiftly to impact global eye health. We foster an inclusive culture, recognizing your contributions and offering opportunities to grow your career like never before. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us?

As a Sr. Associate, Automation and Control Engineering , supporting our Engineering Manufacturing Systems team, you will be trusted to design, implement, install, analyze and/or optimize manufacturing processes, procedures, equipment, and programming. The ideal candidate will also have expertise in PLC and automation controls, ensuring seamless integration and functionality of mechatronic systems to best support our 24/7 operation at Johns Creek, GA.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Lead the development and design of manufacturing process improvements, procedures, and equipment installation by creating detailed project plans, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing resources, and overseeing budgets. Includes inspection and test requirements into the production plan. Inspect machinery, equipment, and tools to verify efficiency and initiate corrective actions for any deficiencies.
• Adapt machine or equipment designs to meet specific safety, quality and performance demands while optimizing factory and production conditions.
• Provide guidance on product design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques.
• Prepare and maintain statistical data and reports to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Identify process improvements to reduce waste using Lean tools and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Design, implement, install, and commission controls and automation systems (PLC, SCADA) for machines and processes.
• Specify and analyze user requirements, commission and test interfaces, components, and functions of control system solutions.
• Troubleshoot and correct issues related to complex PLC and SCADA projects.
• Provide expert-level support and work with various internal customers on key systems/deliverables.
• Be available for periodic after-hours support of the 24/7 manufacturing process.
• Identify options and evaluate the most appropriate solutions to adapt, simplify or improve existing PLC programs.
• Communicate and coordinate with internal/external vendors during the implementation, commissioning, FAT, and SAT of control systems.
• Generate required technical documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), training manuals, and validation protocols in accordance with GMP guidelines.
• Measure, analyze, and identify improvement opportunities in equipment and processes using methods such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Implement corrective actions to improve product quality and reduce waste.
• Compose engineering studies, create change proposals, execute protocols, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in capital projects, managing associated internal/external resources and validations.
• Co-design and implement improvements to equipment and processes in support of contact lens production.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Production Management, Engineers, Electro-Mechanics, and Quality teams on capital projects, managing associated resources, financial decisions, and validations (e.g., FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, PQ). Coordinate with suppliers, supplier quality engineering, and quality control on raw materials and spare parts issues.
• Utilize risk management tools (e.g., FRA, FMEA, PHA) to make quick decisions and resolve major technical problems while minimizing downtime on equipment and processes.
• Compose specifications for equipment or changes to equipment (e.g., URS, FS, SDS).
• Act as a subject matter expert in equipment or processes identified to be supported by this opening (e.g., Light Stream Lens Manufacturing).
• Provide expert-level support and advice to the organization on key processes and offer global support when requested.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +10 yrs; Assoc.+6 yrs; M.S.+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
• 2 Years of Relevant Experience
• Work Location: Onsite
• Travel Requirements: None
• Relocation assistance: No
• Sponsorship available: No

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Broad work experience applying and directly contributing expertise in process automation and control systems, development methods, and applications.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and develop solutions for complex problems requiring creativity and originality.
• Excellent knowledge of PLC software programming, including Beckhoff and Siemens systems.
• Experience in safety PLC concepts for automated manufacturing equipment with chemical systems
• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Experience with high-s