Automation Specialist

Job Overview

The Automation Specialist works in activities relating to the automation and control of machinery and systems in the plant.

Job Responsibilities

• Respond to production requests for immediate attention to production issues and problems. 

• Monitor, maintain and support plant-wide automation systems. 

• Update HMIs and computer systems as advised by the IT department. 

• Support and troubleshoot the Wonderware-based factory management and control system.

• Perform maintenance on PLC’s and HMI’s systems including backups of PLC programs. 

• Assist with MES activities and coordination. 

• Maintain and troubleshoot electrical/electronic systems and general production line equipment. 

• Identify problem areas and address with permanent solutions.

• Provide input for helping to ensure that line layouts and implementation are efficient and timely.

• When assigned, will coordinate plant and contractor activities to ensure timelines are met.   

• Identify process improvement opportunities and lead approved projects within the plant to attain desired goals 

• Work with the Maintenance Supervisor to utilize in house resources and coordinate outside contractors as needed for approved projects. 

• Work with plant personnel to identify savings and justification for projects. 

• Provide leadership in bringing approved projects to a successful completion. 

• Work with Production to identify downtime issues and implement permanent solutions. 

• Gather and examine basic reliability data from floor observations or data base and correlate for analysis using well defined engineering techniques, principles and procedures. 

• Work with plant personnel to drive root cause and failure analysis to avoid future failures.

• Provide production coverage in times of need or when issues arise that require specific expertise. 

• All GLC employees are expected to perform any assignment or job task according to the stated safety policies and procedures. 

• All GLC employees are expected to produce our products in a manner that exceeds the quality and value expectation of our customers and consumers by adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices, Policies and Procedures outlined in our Safe Quality Food Program.

• Other responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school and/or commensurate experience.  

• 5 years of related experience and/or training or more. 

• Fundamental understanding of manufacturing processes.

• Broad depth of experience and knowledge of production machinery and equipment.      

• Rockwell PLC hardware and software (ControlLogix, CompactLogix RSLogix). 

• Ability to write PLC programs and make necessary changes. 

• Ability to lead/organize multiple projects and resources.

• Ability to make sound, independent decisions based on functional expertise and experience.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, trouble shoot and problem solve.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.

• 3 years of food manufacturing experience or more 

• PLC programming, Wonderware MES, InTouch development, RSLogix  

Working Conditions

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