Controls and Automation Engineer

SUMMARY

Working under the Maintenance Manager, the Controls and Automation Engineer will design, implement, and maintain electrical and control systems to support a food manufacturing environment. This role ensures operational efficiency and compliance with Grillo’s standards by troubleshooting, updating, and optimizing control systems. This role also will need to collaborate with operations, engineering, and other plant leadership to provide solutions on control system issues.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Program and Maintain Control Systems: Program, service, repair, and maintain electrical and process control systems to ensure continuous operation and adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot Automation Issues: Diagnose and resolve complex automation challenges using RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk Studio ME/SE, and other software.
• Enhance Manufacturing Processes: Design and implement PLC and HMI applications to improve efficiency and reliability in the manufacturing process.
• Update Technical Documentation: Maintain and update electrical schematics using AutoCAD, ensuring documentation is accurate and current.
• Coordinate with Teams: Communicate with department heads and cross-functional teams to address equipment problems promptly and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Vendor Collaboration: Work with external vendors, such as Rockwell, to upgrade and maintain control systems, ensuring compliance with technological and safety requirements.
• Support Maintenance Teams: Provide hands-on troubleshooting for electrical and process control issues, reducing downtime and ensuring system reliability.
• Design New Systems: Contribute to designing industrial control systems for new equipment installations.
• Adhere to Safety Standards: Strictly follow safety protocols and ensure team compliance with safety and quality standards, including those related to GMP and SQF.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Engage in projects to optimize manufacturing operations, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency.
• The ability to provide after hours support (late night, and/or weekends) in the event of a crisis.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of this role.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college in Engineering or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience required.
• At least 4 years of progressively responsible experience in Control System Engineering, preferably in food and beverage manufacturing.
• Proficient ability to program PLCs/PACs and HMIs using RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000, and related systems.
• Expert ability to troubleshoot and maintain networking hardware and communication protocols, including Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
• Strong knowledge of variable frequency drives and servos, including Allen-Bradley PowerFlex and SEW Eurodrives.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Must be able to take projects from design to implementation with minimal supervisory input.
• Ability to diagnose electrical and controls problems, determine root causes, and supply short/long term solutions quickly and efficiently.

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, taste, or smell. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 - 25 pounds, and occasionally more than 50 pounds with assistance from co-workers and/or mechanic devices. 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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee will be handling items that may be very hot. The noise level is usually moderate. Must be available to work overtime, nights, weekends, and Holidays.

Grillo’s is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.