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
- Ability to constantly stand/walk; bend/flex/extend neck; frequently grip/reach/lift/pull with L/R hands.
- Ability to frequently handle material from floor-to-waist, waist-to-shoulder and pushing/pulling/carrying.
- Product weight: up to 50 lbs.
- Repetitive work in a fast-paced production environment with average temperature of 50-60 degrees F.
- Hair nets, ear plugs/muffs, hardhats, and/or safety glasses may be required.
EEOC & Disclaimer
Great Lakes Cheese is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
