Automation Technician

About Us

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

Overview

POSITION PURPOSE: This position is responsible for maintaining basic level system operations and assisting in automation for new projects and process improvements. Proficiency in automation procedures is a requirement, with the ability to resolve common control problems. Must be able to troubleshoot system errors and handle issues as they arise in production with minimal supervision. Must be able to program control system for new manufacturing processes. This position is also responsible for upkeep of DCS hardware and software, including system updates and upgrades.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

· 2-year degree in automation, instrumentation, programming, engineering, or related field

· 2 years in experience and training with text-based coding languages (Python, Java, C , MatLab, etc.).

· 2 years of manufacturing automation experience is preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Computer skills (Microsoft Office, SAP, EMaint, Concur, MRP, etc.)

· Mechanical aptitude and willingness to troubleshoot mechanical issues related to controls

· Strong written and verbal communication skills · Must be able to work extended hours or call-ins as necessary

· Ability to analyze and resolve most maintenance issues in specialty area

· Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and familiarity with standard operating procedures (SOPs)

· Ability to maintain effective communication with all levels of the organizational structure across all departments

· Familiarity with process controls principles and documentation

· Familiarity with DCS control systems programming, muti-meter, and simulators

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Fast paced bio-chemical/chemical/dry blending manufacturing environment working both in office & plant settings. This position may perform activities in an environment containing hazardous elements and requiring safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. This position may perform activities in an environment containing possible electrical hazards and requires knowledge of electrical safety practices and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All safety procedures, procedures described in SOPs, JHAs, and support of the ISO standards in all functional areas must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Sitting, standing, walking, repetitive use of hands/arms/legs, and eye/hand coordination for 4 hours a day.

· Occasional bending, reaching overhead, crouching, balancing, pushing or pulling.

· Occasional lifting of 50 lbs. or less.

· Ability to operate cars, trucks, and other powered equipment and tools.

· Ability to use respirators with knowledge of chemicals

· Use of required personal protective equipment in the manufacturing environment

Responsibilities

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Compliance, Policies and Procedural Support

· Achieves plant goals by supporting stable operations and seeking continuous improvement for automation

· Adheres to systems for planning, scheduling, implementing, verifying and closing projects, as developed 

· Implements sequences capturing designs and process changes requested by management in engineering, production, EH&S, and other areas as called for.

· Ensure compliance of Company policies including safety, quality, and environmental standards

· Work in a safe manner at all times (i.e. wear proper personal protective equipment)

· Actively participate in Company programs and committees as needed

Troubleshooting

· Troubleshoot hardware and control systems issues as they arise

· Analyze data using PI and other trending methods to aid in troubleshooting

· Coordinate with Production on resolving programming issues and problems

· Coordinate with maintenance on resolving wiring/hardware issues and problems

· Troubleshoot instruments and other field devices · Write work orders as needed

· Take call-ins as needed in emergency situations

Maintain Control System

· Repair/replace and maintain all components of the DCS Operating System

· Replace/add new UPS units

· Keep up-to-date on new hardware and software for the control system

· Be knowledgeable in systems in use at the facility, including DCS software/hardware, communication protocols, data historians, and other critical control systems elements

· Plan and coordinate maintenance of control system software and hardware

Project Work, Quoting and Ordering

· Create user interfaces for operators including graphics and trends for monitoring and managing the DCS

· Decide the best sequence type for different applications and programs to integrate smoothly with pre-existing program

· Follow good coding practices and Ajinomoto standards to create efficient, effective, and easily interpretable sequence controls

· Advise maintenance team/electricians on I/O assignment for new or changed instrumentation and track changes.

· Monitor I/O availability for each controller and obtain quotes/order equipment as needed

· Understand connection requirements for wiring various assets (control instruments, motors, pumps, valves, etc.) in plant to field control stations

· Attend project meetings to keep up-to-date on changes and time frames

· Obtain pricing and request orders from company approved vendors as needed

· Develop innovative controls sequence and function block solutions to solve difficult and long-standing production problems and issues

· Understand and continually seeks knowledge of latest novel automation practices and their applications in Food and Beverage manufacturing

· Conduct training and ensures effective communication with Automation/DX group, and any other relevant personnel during planning and implementation of process changes

· Manage budgets of assigned projects closely, to ensure Ajinomoto fiscal responsibility

· Test and troubleshoot simulated and on-line changes to controls sequences to optimize plant automation and reduce downtime

· Collaborate with Process Automation Engineer or other personnel to create sequences that minimize downtime and maximize production using a functional knowledge of controls systems limitations and tools

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Employment with Ajinomoto is considered at will, meaning that either party may terminate this employment relationship at any time with or without cause or notice and this job description should not be construed as an employment contract.

EEO Statement

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history) for recruitment, hiring, and promotion decisions.

Salary : $62,600 - $79,300