Automation Engineer

Alphia is a leading manufacturer of pet food – extruded (dry kibble) and baked (treats). Alphia has 6 plants across the United States. The available position in Ogden, Utah, is located 30 minutes North of Salt Lake City. The area is in the heart of snow skiing, hiking and other outdoor recreational activities while being near a major city.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Automation Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing manufacturing technology to automate production processes for pet food manufacturing plants through all phases of project development and execution. Projects include integration of PLC’s, control and instrumentation automation, robotics and design of manufacturing equipment. Works under the direction of the Senior Manager, Systems Integrations & Operational Technology. This is a great opportunity for someone to work on a wide range of projects throughout the entire corporation. This is a hands-on position with extensive interaction with Engineering, Production and Maintenance.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Develops and implements new and better processes, process controls, automation and instrumentation to support manufacturing and quality assurance.
• Implements projects from initial concept, budgeting, option development, final design, PLC programming, installation, start-up and continuing improvement.
• Be a resource for the Maintenance department
• Identify and implement cost reduction projects
• Become a subject matter expert on projects and equipment
• Design and manage projects in all aspects of the plant(s) including material handling, conveying, food processing, blending / mixing and packaging

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required).

• BS in electrical engineering / technology (or other engineering degree) or 4 years of applicable experience directly related to manufacturing process control and automation.
• Working knowledge of Rockwell Automation's RSLogix 500, Studio 5000, RSView, RSNetworx
• Experience working with Robotics, DeviceNet, Ethernet, VFDs, Servos, Scales and Flow Meters
• Highly skilled in writing lengthy and complex PLC code.
• Experience working with manufacturing equipment such as driers, fluid pumps, conveyors (pneumatic, screw, belt, vibrating), instrumentation (temperature, flow, weights), ovens, motors, fans, extruders, grinders, metal detection, bag and box packers.
• Available to travel 30% - 40% to plants and equipment vendors, with irregularity depending on project installation / commissioning.
• Able to convert initial concepts and desired outcomes into actual plant equipment and processes by working with Engineering and Operations.
• Proficient in assisting Maintenance with troubleshooting.

Also desirable:

• Experience in food or beverage manufacturing.
• Basic skills in Wonderware and visual basic (HMIs development), network control, enterprise SQL server and databases.
• Experience working with Fanuc and KUKA Robotics.
• Process controls and process equipment selection.
• Experience with instrument selection / calibration and general electrical equipment.
• Excellent creative thinking skills.
• Strong analytical and time management skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The phrases “occasionally,” “regularly,” and “frequently” correspond to the following definitions: “occasionally” means up to 25% of working time, “regularly” means between 26 and 75% of working time, and “frequently” means 76% and more of working time.)

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, walk, and move from place to place. The employee is occasionally required to sit, use foot/feet to operate machine, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl or reach above shoulders. The employee is frequently required to stand and use hands to finger, handle or touch.
• The employee must exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and / or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).

• The employee may be frequently exposed to allergens and/or airborne particles in the production area. Production employees are exposed to temperatures ranging from 50 to 115 degrees, depending on the season and workstation, and may be working near moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions may occur.
• The noise level in the work environment may be loud while production equipment is running.
• Personal Protection Equipment (including, but not limited to, boots, gloves, safety glasses, and/or face shields) is required during various processes in the production area. Ear plugs and bump caps are required at all times in the production area.

Alphia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.