Automation Engineer

Flagstone Foods:

At Flagstone Foods, we believe appreciation grows goodness. We have an appreciation for our customers, our employees, and the communities in which we live. Appreciation is our main ingredient! 

Headquartered in the North Loop of Minneapolis with plants in Robersonville, North Carolina, El Paso, Texas, and Dothan, Alabama, we are one of North America’s largest manufacturers and distributors of “feel good snacks,” like flavorful snack nuts, innovative trail mixes and wholesome dried fruits…and we are adding to our team! We hire creative, thoughtful, and entrepreneurial team members. If you share our enthusiasm and appreciation for goodness, you too may find a home with Flagstone Foods. 

Position Summary

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the PLC programming, setup, repair, and troubleshooting related to machine operations on the production floor. Automation Controls Engineer will have a thorough understanding of automation controls including PLCs; VFD, and logic-based control systems. They work cross-functionally with other maintenance mechanical technicians, facilities technicians, and production personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understand and align with policies, safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Food Safety. Identify and report Food Safety issues to management.
• Support, mentor, and lead efforts for controls system repairs and validate proper function to obtain throughput.
• Obtains and executes work orders and preventive maintenance tickets with little or no guidance.
• Assist in maintaining a library for all device back-ups and updates.
• Document changes made to software and hardware (Electrical and Process & Instrumentation prints).
• Work in conjunction with the Network administrator to maintain the Facility Controls Network (hardware and software)
• Review (with upper management) key plant metrics/KPIs and equipment data to identify potential areas for continuous improvement.
• Work closely with production and maintenance supervisors to provide effective production support throughout the shift.
• Ensure equipment in the area is maintained, guarded, and operated in accordance with defined safety regulations and procedures.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Specific Technical Qualifications: 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming, Setup, and troubleshooting.
• Proficient with Allen-Bradley PLCs, VFDs, and machine vision (Cognex / Keyence).
• Firm understanding of HMI screen development. Configure and program remote I/O devices such as Ethernet IP, Modbus, or similar.
• Implement and validate automation changes to the existing control system hardware and software.
• Ability to read process diagrams, mechanical drawings, and electrical schematics.
• Ability to apply sound engineering solutions while considering the budget, schedule, and operational performance.
• Ability to troubleshoot various automation systems and provide training to operations and other maintenance personnel on automated processes.
• Sound understanding of control components and wiring up to 480 Volts.

Training and Education:

• Technical degree in a related field, AAM graduation, or equivalent experience
• Strong experience with automation software, controls, PLCs.
• Strong overall electrical knowledge and experience with control systems.
• Excellent communication skills and effective team-building skills are a must.
• Experience in a food processing plant is a plus.

Other

• Passion for continuous learning and continuous improvement
• Creative problem-solving skills with a scrappy can-do attitude.
• Entrepreneurial self-starter that can work independently.
• Highly collaborative mindset; team player
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and written.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described within the Essential Functions section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change, or add to the duties of this description at any time without notice. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Communicate with others both verbally and in writing. 
• Be independently mobile.
• Use a computer and keyboard.
• Regularly sit, stand, walk, reach, stretch, stoop, bend, for extended periods.
• Ability to lift/carry 25 to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to noise levels requiring hearing protection.

Supervises - No

FLSA Designation: This position is a Salaried Exempt and not eligible for overtime.

Work Location: Robersonville, NC – travel expected less than 10%

Flagstone Foods offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, a Health Savings Account (HSA) (available with enrollment in a qualifying medical plan), term life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and a 401(k) plan. Eligibility for benefits begins on the first of the month following your hire date. 401(k) eligibility begins on the first of the month after 60 days of employment. Participation in Flagstone Foods’ benefits programs is subject to the terms and conditions of each plan.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.