Industrial Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer performs a variety of engineering tasks to develop, test, implement, and document manufacturing processes and methods, specifically relating to factory automation.  This is done both on the production floor and in an office setting, and completed in accordance with product specifications, customer requirements, and quality standards while also ensuring compliance to all required governmental laws and safety standards.  This position has an emphasis on maintaining existing and developing new PLC controls, including both hardware and software development (i.e., PLC programming).  The ideal candidate will have prior experience in factory automation, electromechanical systems, and PLC controls (hardware architecture and software programming). This position will also have a background and experience in applied lean manufacturing and six sigma principals to develop efficient, high impact, and comprehensive solutions that result in improved safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency in the factory.  Results oriented leaders who are self-starters will be well positioned to excel in this position and in GEOTEK’s fast-paced, market leading, and growing business!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Examines the manufacturing process for automation opportunities that improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency, makes proposals/recommendations, and then leads the implementation.
• Responsible for maintaining and improving existing factory automation, including software, controls (e.g. Allen Bradley PLC), and robotic systems (e.g Fanuc robots)
• Develop new PLC code utilizing current industry best practices for coding, and control architecture.
• Utilizes lean manufacturing and six sigma principals to model current state/future state processes, to improve line efficiency and analyze automation gains.
• Estimates manufacturing costs, process time and manpower requirements as it relates to applied automation.  Consolidates, documents, and presents results for review.
• Utilizes structure problem solving techniques to troubleshoot a variety of production problems involving continuous manufacturing processes. Investigates and determines the root cause of failures and problems. Recommends countermeasures or changes in processing methods.
• Conducts R&D, engineering trials, experimentation, and production process evaluations analysis for manufacturing operations to vette concepts and support recommendations.  Analyzes production data and identifies trends, problems, and opportunities for improvement.  Recommends process adjustments to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency and reduce material and manpower costs.
• Creates, writes, and modifies work instructions related to automated processes.
• Prepares training materials and trains key production employees and production supervisors on new work procedures and manufacturing processes.
•  Supports the Strategies and Objectives of the organization and adheres to all company policies.
•  Performs other duties as directed.

Job requirements

•         Bachelor's degree in Mechanical engineering or Electrical engineering (or related field) with a specialty in factory automation controls (PLC).  Equivalent combination of education and experience may be used to satisfy the requisite qualifications of the job.·       
• Three to five (3-5yrs) or more post-graduate experience as an automation engineer supporting factory automation.  Experience leading factory automation projects highly desired.
•         Previous experience as a manufacturing engineer applying LEAN and six sigma principals to improve production processes.  Six sigma certification a plus.
•         Proficiency in programming Allen-Bradley PLC’s.  Experience with other PLC environments a plus.
•         Experience with programming and supporting Fanuc (or similar) robotic systems.
•         Working knowledge of automated production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture of goods.
•         Excellent analytical, problem solving, communication, and presentation skills.  Strong math skills. Intermediate skills in Excel and other application software used in production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings and models

Physical Work Conditions

•         Time should be split between the floor and the office or meeting rooms ranging anywhere from 10% to 30% on the production floor or engineering labs.
•         While working on the floor there will be work with and around moving machinery, fumes and chemicals. 
•         Office work requires sitting at a desk, using a computer and phone.

The compensation range for this position is $94,500- $141,800. Final offers may vary based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The posted range represents the expected earning potential for this position within the current organizational budget and market conditions.

Who We Are: 

For over 30 years, GEOTEK has been internationally recognized for industry leading composite technologies, engineering, and service. The company has grown PUPI® into the leading global provider of fiberglass crossarms and is committed to adding and developing other market-leading composite brands for the world’s infrastructure. The company was founded in 1990 to manufacture and market Common Sense Fencing and other pultruded fiberglass products. Early on GEOTEK also began producing utility composite crossarms for Pultruded Utility Products, Inc., a company it acquired in 2000 and renamed Pultruded Utility Products International (PUPI) to reflect the global opportunity for these products. PUPI (pronounced “puppy”) is a brand of GEOTEK. Using proprietary processes and several patented inventions, GEOTEK manufactures and distributes engineered fiberglass composites that are used by the transmission and distribution power lines and substations. The company is well positioned for sustained growth and profitability through market expansion and new product offerings. 

OUR PURPOSE:

As the global leader in composite crossarms, we aim to broaden our engineered composite products in infrastructure applications with light poles and beyond. 

Mission:

Enhance the world’s infrastructure with engineered composite products. 

Vision:

Develop, acquire, and grow respected composite product brands; where each product line delivers market-leading reliability, performance, and value to global infrastructure customers. 

Values

TRUE Values

•         TEAM –we before me 
•         RELIABLE –every day in every way 
•         URGENT –the drive to do 
•         ENTERPRISING –be curious 

Learn more at GEOTEK.com

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