Automation Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Automation Engineer is part of the Engineering Department and provides technical expertise in industrial automation, process control, instrumentation, and electrical systems, and the factory automation architecture. The position supports automation projects from design through implementation and startup, provides technical support to Production and Maintenance, and drives improvements to automation systems, controls, and the overall automation architecture of the plant. The role works closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to improve equipment and software reliability, efficiency, scalability, and operational performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Participates in and/or coordinates CAPEX and automation projects from conceptual design through implementation, commissioning, and startup, including the planning, specification, design, integration, testing, and startup of automation, electrical, and instrumentation systems.
2. Develops, modifies, troubleshoots, and supports PLC, HMI, SCADA, instrumentation, and process control systems, including control logic, alarms, interlocks, sequences, and operator interfaces.
3. Develops, maintains, and improves the factory automation architecture, including control system structure, automation standards, network interfaces, system integration, scalability, and alignment with long-term manufacturing needs.
4. Provides technical support to Production and Maintenance by troubleshooting automation systems, instrumentation, drives, control panels, sensors, transmitters, and industrial communication networks.
5. Supports the selection, specification, installation, configuration, commissioning, and ongoing improvement of automation and instrumentation hardware and systems.
6. Develops, reviews, and maintains electrical and automation documentation, including schematics, PLC programs, HMI applications, system backups, and network documentation.
7. Works with IT, Maintenance, Engineering, Production, and external partners to integrate new equipment, automation technologies, and manufacturing systems, including MES and data collection interfaces.
8. Evaluates automation system performance and identifies opportunities to improve equipment reliability, process efficiency, production capacity, quality, and operational performance.
9. Maintains current knowledge of industrial automation, process control, instrumentation, networking, and related technologies and recommends solutions that support manufacturing needs.
10. Participates in cross-functional projects, training, and continuous improvement initiatives while providing automation expertise to support safety, quality, reliability, and operational efficiency.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Complete all required safety and company training by assigned deadlines and maintain current certifications as required.
 Comply with all company policies, procedures, and standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Safe Quality Food (SQF) requirements, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, and product quality standards.
 Support GNT's food safety culture by working collaboratively with team members and demonstrating a commitment to quality, food safety, and continuous improvement.
 Maintain a professional appearance, follow all hygiene and uniform requirements, and help maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
 Follow established procedures for automation system changes, backups, documentation, and change control to support system reliability and business continuity and supporting the setup of systems.
 Support safe work practices when working with electrical, automation, instrumentation, and production equipment and follow applicable lockout/tagout and other safety requirements.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal Relationships:
• Collaborates with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, IT, and Quality teams to troubleshoot automation issues, support equipment and system improvements, and implement automation projects in accordance with GNT Automation protocols.
• Provides automation expertise and technical guidance to cross-functional teams on equipment integration, system improvements, and manufacturing initiatives.

External Relationships:
• Works with equipment manufacturers, automation integrators, contractors, engineering firms, and other external partners to support equipment design, installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and automation projects.

TYPICAL DAY ACTIVITIES:

• Reviews automation system performance, alarms, production data, and diagnostics to identify issues and improvement opportunities.
• Provides technical support to Production and Maintenance by troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, drives, and other automation systems.
• Investigates automation issues, supports root cause analysis, and supports maintenance with solutions to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Supports equipment automation, commissioning, startup, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Maintains automation documentation, electrical schematics, PLC/HMI programs, system backups, and technical records.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams and external partners on automation projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS EXPECTATIONS:

The Automation Engineer is expected to develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the automation and control systems used throughout the manufacturing operation, including:

• PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, including Siemens TIA Portal and Manufacturing Execution Systems.
• Process control systems, instrumentation, sensors, transmitters, control valves, and variable frequency drives.
• Electrical control panels, safety systems, interlocks, alarms, and industrial communication networks between equipment and MES server.
• Data collection, AVEVA historian, and other manufacturing system interfaces.
• Automated production and process equipment.

Applies this knowledge to troubleshoot issues, improve system performance and reliability, and support safe and efficient manufacturing operations.

TRAINING EXPECTATIONS:

Employee is expected to:
• Complete required training on company policies, safety, food safety, quality, regulatory requirements, and applicable procedures.
• Develop a strong understanding of the company's manufacturing processes, equipment, automation architecture, and control systems.
• Develop and maintain the technical knowledge and skills necessary to independently troubleshoot and support PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, drives, networks, and other automation systems.
• Participate in ongoing technical training, cross-functional learning, and professional development to maintain current knowledge of automation technologies and industry best practices.

Position Summary:
The Automation Engineer will be part of the Engineering Department and provide technical expertise in industrial automation, process control, instrumentation, electrical systems, and factory automation architecture.

This individual will support automation projects from design through implementation and startup, provide technical support to Production and Maintenance, and drive improvements to automation systems, controls, and the overall automation architecture of the plant.

The role will work closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to improve equipment and software reliability, efficiency, scalability, and overall operational performance.

Key Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in industrial automation, process control, controls engineering, or a related manufacturing/process industry.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, preferably Siemens S7 and TIA Portal.
• Experience with instrumentation, field devices, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and related diagnostic/configuration tools.
• Ability to read and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control panel drawings, and technical documentation.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, operator interfaces, industrial communication networks, MES, or manufacturing system integration.
• Experience supporting technical projects from planning through implementation, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong technical, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to explain technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A proactive, results-oriented approach with strong ownership, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Manufacturing experience, preferably in food, beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, or another process-based industry.
• Experience with Siemens automation platforms, HMI/SCADA systems, AVEVA System Platform (Wonderware), industrial networking, and MES/manufacturing system interfaces.
• Experience with electrical control panels, motor controls, VFDs, instrumentation, PID control, and machine safety systems.
• Experience with automation system commissioning, equipment startup, validation, and integration.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, GMP, SQF, food safety, or quality systems.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Successful candidate will demonstrate the following skills and competencies:

• Technical Expertise: Applies knowledge of automation, PLCs, instrumentation, electrical systems, process controls, and manufacturing equipment to support operations and improve system performance.
• Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving: Uses a structured, data-driven approach to diagnose issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Ownership and Accountability: Takes responsibility for assigned projects and tasks, follows through on commitments, and proactively addresses issues.
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicates technical information clearly and works effectively with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, IT, Quality, and external partners.
• Planning and Organization: Prioritizes activities, manages multiple projects, and meets deadlines and operational needs.
• Results and Continuous Improvement: Focuses on improving safety, quality, reliability, productivity, efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance.
• Quality and Compliance: Maintains a strong commitment to product quality, food safety, compliance, and established standards and procedures.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments and regularly interact with production equipment, automation systems, and operating personnel.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods and safely navigate areas with noise, temperature variations, chemicals, moving equipment, and other manufacturing hazards.
• Ability to wear required PPE and safely work around electrical, automation, instrumentation, and production equipment in accordance with applicable safety procedures.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move tools, instruments, equipment components, or other items necessary to perform job responsibilities.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

Employees in this role are expected to consistently demonstrate the following:
• Safety and Compliance: Follow company safety, quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements, including applicable electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures.
• System Reliability: Maintain and improve the reliability, functionality, and performance of automation and control systems supporting manufacturing operations.
• Technical Support: Provide timely, effective troubleshooting and technical support to Production and Maintenance.
• Project Execution: Successfully support automation, CAPEX, equipment integration, commissioning, and implementation projects while meeting established timelines and objectives.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, increase efficiency, and enhance automation system performance.
• Documentation and Collaboration: Maintain accurate technical documentation and work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners while taking ownership of assigned responsibilities and results.