Sr. Automation Engineer

Senior Automation Engineer

company information

fairlife, LLC, is a Chicago-based health food company with a mission to enrich lives by sustainably providing nourishment and vitality to the world. We produce and market nutritious and great-tasting lactose-free milk beverages made using a patented cold-filtration process that removes lactose and sugars while maximizing the natural proteins, nutrients, and minerals found in cow's milk. The company was founded in 2012 by Mike and Sue McCloskey of Select Milk Producers, Inc., a group of dairy farmers dedicated to using exceptional cow care and sustainable farming practices to yield higher quality milk.

Our line of delicious and lactose-free fairlife products includes: fairlife ultra-filtered milk, the only cow's milk with 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk for the whole family; Core Power, a high protein milk shake for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to help build lean muscle and support healthy recovery; fairlife with DHA, an ultra-filtered milk with DHA Omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health; fairlife YUP!, a line of flavored milks; fairlife smart snacks, a snack sized beverage that blends fairlife ultra-filtered milk with honey and oats; and the newly launched fairlife Nutrition Plan, a high protein, low sugar weight management drink. In partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, fairlife ultra-filtered milk and Core Power high protein shakes are distributed throughout the United States (U.S.) and Canada; all other fairlife drinks are available nationwide in the U.S. To learn more about fairlife and its collection of products, please visit fairlife.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

job purpose: Under limited supervision, the Senior Automation Engineer will provide technical solutions and expertise in operations, engineering, and maintenance. The Senior Automation Engineer will manage, coordinate, and oversee technical projects, maintenance, and engineering solutions. This individual will plan and direct all projects with necessary vendors and in-house resources. They are responsible for ensuring and improving the performance, productivity, training and efficiencies for fairlife's plants through provision of effective methods, controls, and strategies.

responsibilities:

* Project planning: Developing project plans, timelines, and budgets for fluid dairy processing projects. This includes determining the scope of the project, identifying resources required, and establishing project milestones.

* Equipment selection and procurement: Identifying and selecting appropriate equipment and machinery for fluid dairy processing operations. This involves evaluating different options, considering factors such as capacity, efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The project engineer is responsible for coordinating with vendors and managing the procurement process.

* Process design and optimization: Designing and optimizing fluid dairy processing processes to ensure efficiency, productivity, and quality. This includes creating mass balances, identifying bottlenecks, improving process flow, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

* Project coordination: Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including safety, production, maintenance, and quality assurance, to ensure smooth project execution. The project engineer is responsible for coordinating activities, managing resources, and resolving any issues or conflicts that arise during the project.

* Regulatory compliance: Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards governing fluid dairy processing operations. The project engineer must have a thorough understanding of food safety and quality regulations and work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance throughout the project.

* Documentation and reporting: Maintaining accurate project documentation, including design specifications, equipment manuals, stakeholder signoffs and project reports. The project engineer is responsible for documenting project progress, tracking expenses, and providing regular updates to stakeholders.

* Training and support: Providing training and support to operations and maintenance teams on new equipment, processes, and technologies implemented during the project. This includes developing training materials, conducting training sessions, and assisting with troubleshooting and problem-solving.

* Continuous improvement: Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in processing operations and milk losses. The project engineer is responsible for monitoring process performance, analyzing data, and implementing changes or upgrades to enhance productivity, efficiency, and product quality.

skills/qualifications required:

* Bachelor's degree in controls engineering or related discipline preferred, equivalent experience considered

* Minimum of 5 years' experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

* Aseptic/Dairy experience preferred including UHT's, homogenizers, separators, filtration plants, mix proof valves, motors, pumps.

* Experience with Automation Products hardware and software product suites (Ignition, ControlLogix, Logix 5000, FT View, FT Historian, and Canary Historian).

* Experience with other automation platforms such as Siemens, B&R, GE, Aveva/Wonderware, etc.

* Experience in automation system project delivery and major capital projects including schedule and cost management.

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

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

* Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities

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

* Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgements on sensitive, confidential issues

* Ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments

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

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

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: Director, Manufacturing Automation

travel requirements: 25%

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt