Senior Automation Project Engineer

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.

The Sr Automation Project Engineer reports to the Building Adhesive Solutions (BAS) Global Project Engineering Manager and has primary responsibility for managing within budget, high visibility complex capital and automation projects for BAS facilities to meet their growth objectives.

Virtual Position or can be in one of our key manufacturing facilities - Chagrin Falls OH, Michigan Center MI or Houston TX

Primary Responsibilities

• Support the global manufacturing network by executing capital projects.

• Assess manufacturing operations for automation potential and consider the use of innovative new process technology.

• Prepare preliminary costs estimates, project proposals, and capital expenditure requests.

• Develop and prepare written specifications and bid packages in accordance with corporate design standards and best practices.

• Prepare and manage projects utilizing the Corporate Capex, Stage Gate process from project initiation to completion.

• Develop projects schedules; manage budget and timelines of approved projects to assure on time completion and within budget.

• Communicate effectively by written reports and informal contacts to ensure all appropriate personnel are aware of project status.

• Coordinate the execution of capital projects with other operations functions to minimize downtime.

• Review and approve engineering drawings and investigate options in equipment selection.

• Visit equipment vendors to assess performance capability.

• Responsible for all procurement and construction of new manufacturing systems, from design through process commissioning "cradle to grave".

• Screen and hire contractors (general, mechanical, electrical) and monitor, inspect, and coordinate the project work of contractors and maintenance staff on-site.

• Process and project engineering skills & experience - capital project management, productivity improvement, cost reduction, product consistency.

• Direct both internal support personnel and contractors as needed to complete projects.

• Oversee training of processes by plant personnel to assure flawless implementation of new equipment.

• Assure new equipment meets all required & applicable environmental regulations and safety features to properly support facility safety requirements & programs.

• Interact with other cross-functional departments to provide the highest level of teamwork and cooperation between groups.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

• 5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing capacity with a proven track record of functional success.

• Experience and knowledge of automation and controls projects.

• Successful Project Management experience and oversight of multiple projects simultaneously valued at $250k+

• Experience as a project or program lead with cross-functional background in operations, engineering, sourcing, materials.

• Financial acumen and an understanding of IRR and NPV calculations.

• AutoCAD and Gantt chart experience.

• Microsoft Office Suite experience.

• Up to 50% domestic travel with potential international travel.

Preferred Requirements

• Process experience in a Chemical facility with liquid or powder products including batch process manufacturing

• Allen Bradley PLC experience

• Experience with PSM and/or Functional Safety Design.

• PMP certification or demonstrated capital project management experience for projects exceeding $250k.

• Demonstrated experience with Process Improvement in Lean, Six Sigma, RCCA, SWOT-Exercises, material flow, Theory of Constraints.

• Experience supporting & executing PHAs, JHAs, MOCs, and FMEAs.

• Experience and knowledge of plant safety including machine guarding, confined space entry, and lockout/tag out.

This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship. Applicants must have U.S. work authorization that does not now or in the future require H.B. Fuller sponsorship of a work visa to work for H.B. Fuller.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.

The salary for this role is $120,000 - $150,000.

In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.