Process Automation Engineer

job purpose: 

The Process Automation Engineer continuously supports plant processing, packaging and utility systems for reliability, total cost of ownership, effectiveness tracking, documenting areas of success, and driving opportunity areas for improvement and growth. In fulfilling this role, the Process Automation Engineer works cross functionally with commercial, manufacturing, engineering, IT, quality, R&D, and other functions within fairlife. They will be one of the top liaisons for procuring new equipment and incorporating our learnings with new technologies and processes to improve quality, efficiencies, and speed to market. 

responsibilities: 

With a focus on continuous improvement and innovation this role is responsible for:

• Defining the electrical and automation objectives of capacity expansion projects and overseeing the automation process design from milk receiving to finished product container to achieve lowest risk design at lowest total cost of ownership. 

• Assisting in the development and commercialization of new technologies and processes to improve quality, efficiency, and speed to market.

• Assisting in the development, review and updates of all electrical and automation functional specifications.

• Reviewing new and existing line/plant designs to reduce food safety risk and improve the overall efficiency and cost of operations.

• Solving complex process problems following escalation from plants; managing the process of escalation with plants to ensure a timely resolution.

• Supporting development of process monitoring and situational awareness systems that enhance efficiency and reduce losses and total cost of ownership. Examples include design for extended run time, faster CIP turnaround, prediction of next CIP, energy recovery, water re-use, chemical re-use, etc.

• Defining standards to improve the accuracy and efficiency of new and existing equipment.

• Developing relationships globally in the dairy processing & automation industries to keep abreast of best-in-class performance of various designs.

• Assuring plant compliance with Federal, State and Corporate environmental laws, rules & regulations.

• Assuring that the process complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, PMO, other regulatory requirements, Company policies, operating procedures, processes, and task assignments.

• Effectively collaborating and coordinating with plant & project engineering teams to ensure all project work is performed on time and within budget.

• Supporting startup and commissioning activities.

• Supporting validation activities.

• Reviewing and executing Factory Acceptance Testing and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT) protocols from an electrical and automation perspective.

• Documenting and clearly communicating the intent of the automation design of all new and existing aseptic filling equipment installed in the plants to key stakeholders.

• Providing verbal and written reports to communicate project status as required and contributing to project review meetings. 

• Serving a key role in supporting the organization for the commercialization of new products.

• Serving as a key decision maker in equipment vendor selection and contract negotiation.

• Other duties as assigned.

skills/qualifications required: 

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in automation engineering and operations disciplines 

• Bachelor of science degree in electrical, mechanical, computer, or chemical engineering or equivalent experience.

• Proven track record of improving manufacturing processes through re-design, automation, and the introduction of new technologies  

• Programming experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix and SLC500 PLCs, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Allen Bradley VFDs, etc.

• Knowledge of and familiarity with the National Electric Code (NEC) and international standards

• Proficiency designing and programming control systems with emphasis on PLCs, SCADA or HMI systems

• Proficiency with control system networking technologies and PC networking technologies

• Proficiency working with SQL Server, Oracle or other relational databases

• Experience with Microsoft PowerBI preferred 

• Strong attention to detail and business analytical skills 

• Demonstrated excellence in communication and presentation

• Familiarity with instrumentation (flow meters, level transmitters, RTDs/temperature transmitters, level probes, etc.)

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

• Ability to travel as needed 

• Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing. 
  

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 product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!

• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)

• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance

• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)

• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support

• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match

• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support

• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability

• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)

• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential

• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife’s nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: Director, Process & Automation Development

travel requirements: 25 – 50% depending on location to include some international travel

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt