Senior Process Automation Engineer

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Responsibilities / Tasks

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $110,000 - $130,000 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not guaranteed compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Job Summary

The Senior Process Automation Engineer role is located in Oakdale, MN and is a key contributor within the Automation Engineering team, supporting service project upgrades across the Nutrition Plant Engineering Division in North America. This role is responsible for the design, development, testing, and commissioning of industrial process automation systems.

The Senior Engineer serves as a technical lead on assigned projects, working independently while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. Projects span a wide range of industries and technologies, including Food, Dairy, Beverage, Brewery, Chemical, Pharmaceutical.

This position offers the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Sales & Pre-Sales Support

• Support Sales in driving automation upgrades and digital service product growth.
• Participate in the sales phase of projects, including customer meetings, pre-sales technical support, cost estimation, and proposal development.
• Provide technical input to support scope definition, pricing, and execution planning.

Automation & Software Engineering

• Develop detailed Process Functional Descriptions (FDs) based on general process descriptions.
• Design automation software by applying knowledge of computer systems, networks, and industrial control platforms.
• Coordinate with product departments to ensure automation programming meets system and customer requirements.
• Ensure compliance with GEA Process Automation standards and quality requirements.
• Conduct software testing through simulations on applicable hardware platforms or emulators.

Electrical & Control Systems

• Collaborate with electrical designers on the design of control panels and automation systems.
• Incorporate customer specifications and technical requirements into electrical system designs.
• Create requisitions for automation and electrical equipment.
• Assist with electrical testing of completed systems, both in-house and at customer sites.
• Coordinate and inspect work performed by electricians during system wiring and installation.

Commissioning & Site Activities

• Commission instrumentation, electrical, and control systems at customer sites.
• Perform I/O checkout of installed equipment.
• Support close-out of automation punch-list items during commissioning.
• Assist with operator and maintenance training during project start-up.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and on-site support related to system performance and process issues.

Project Execution & Leadership

• Act as Automation Lead on assigned projects unless otherwise designated.
• Manage automation and electrical engineers assigned to projects.
• Monitor team tasks to ensure deadlines are met with high-quality results.
• Generate project schedules aligned with program milestones.
• Provide detailed project information to Project Managers, including risk identification, work breakdown structures, and activity planning.
• Support scope change identification and assist with cost and schedule impact estimates and change orders.
• Continuously evaluate projects to identify cost-reduction opportunities and efficiency improvements

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Documentation & Standards Compliance

• Maintain accurate documentation of customer meetings, correspondence, and technical project files.
• Manage project document control, including versioning, transmittals, approvals, and deliverables.
• Utilize tools, templates, and documentation defined by GEA standards throughout all project phases.
• Assist in preparation of O&M manuals and spare parts lists.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, applicable regulations, and GEA Environmental Health & Safety and OSHA requirements.

Procurement & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Prepare RFQs and support Procurement with vendor technical evaluations, selection, and management.
• Work closely with process engineers to ensure automation designs meet customers and process requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective and compliant project execution.
• Support the service organization as required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Deliver technical or project progress presentations to management and customers as needed.
• Respond promptly and effectively to additional duties as assigned.

Your Profile / Qualifications

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and time-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working in fast-paced and occasionally high-pressure environments.
• Demonstrated commercial and business acumen.
• Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks appropriately.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite & related software tools, and previous experience with Rockwell Automation hardware and software preferred.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a related field.
• Typically, 5+ years of experience in a similar automation engineering role.
• Willingness to travel up to 40% as required.

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

#engineeringforthebetter

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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