Automation Engineer

About this role

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers.

With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.

To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.

job purpose:

The Automation Engineer will be responsible for leading the technical execution of the automated systems (E80 robots/Rockwell Platform PLCs/VFDs/etc.), providing support on electrical distribution systems, controls upgrades, start-up & commissioning of equipment, automation documentation, and data collection. They will manage, coordinate, and oversee process technology improvements, troubleshoot controls, and engineer design solutions to complex problems. This individual will provide day-to-day technical support on warehouse control systems and control related tasks.

responsibilities:

• Work with equipment OEMs, operations business partners, and engineering to optimize automation equipment, including high-density AS/RS and LGVs

• Serve as a subject matter expert for all automation user interfaces, HMIs, alarm codes, and resets

• Assist in the management of equipment OEM embedded engineers, including shadowing their maintenance and service routines for knowledge transfer, providing direction for improvement projects, and monitoring performance

• Provide recommendations and user influence to our maintenance team to help shape preventative maintenance routines, on-hand spare parts lists, and service scheduling

• Assist in training of staff on use of automated equipment

• Manage strategic, technical projects and tasks in an extremely fast-paced environment

• Function as an SME for controls systems, automation components and infrastructure

• Continuously improve control systems through Advanced Process Control, Alarm Management, and Operator Interface Optimization

• Responsible for integration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, Servo Drives, and process controls

• Responsible for training of end users on the operations of newly installed or modified process control systems

• Responsible for the standardization of control systems and control logic designs, documentation of operation procedures and as-built drawings and logic

• Serve as plant liaison for new system start-up and commissioning by all outside controls contractors and system integrators to ensure proper transfer of documented PLC program changes and adequate training on the installation/changes that have been completed

• Develop, troubleshoot, Improve and Maintain automation documentation (schematics, functional descriptions, PLC programs, SCADAs, etc.)

• Conduct reviews of application design with site and project teams to ensure that the automation requirements have been adhered to.

• Warehouse automation troubleshooting

• Manage Automation improvement projects

• Mentor/train Instrumentation & Controls Technicians

• Other duties/tasks may be assigned

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Technology preferred

• 8-10 years of manufacturing automation experience required

• Additional training as an industrial automation technician preferred

• Very knowledgeable/experienced with E80 robots/automation

• Ability to understand, modify and upgrade PLC logic (Rockwell platform), VFD’s, network switches

• Ability to update P&ID’s, electrical/mechanical prints (CAD/SolidWorks preferred)

• Skilled in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community

• Ability to analyze and assess training and development needs

• Knowledge of computerized information systems used in quality assurance, maintenance, and ERP applications

• Able to understand and utilize engineering drawings, operating manuals, and blueprints to conduct business

• Able to stand for extended periods of time, lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis, and able to climb ladders and work at elevations of 75 feet

• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment

• Knowledge of USDA, State, Federal regulations for a dairy manufacturing facility a plus

working conditions and physical requirements:

• 8-12 hours sitting/standing/walking

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

• Frequently reaching from floor level to shoulder level done during 8-hour workday

• Exposure to ammonia, acids, caustics, chlorines, paints, particles, oils and lubricants, steam, pneumatics, fumes.

• Operate within an office environment, with some time in an ambient and chilled WH environment.

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.

• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.

• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.

• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.

• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.

• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming…