Automation Engineer

At Danone, manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams.

The Automation Engineer is a self-driven/self-motivated individual capable of working proficiently, both independently and as part of a team, without direct supervision. The successful individual must have a passion for safety and be able to foster effective working relationships built upon trust and respect within all levels of the organization.

This position is responsible for control projects and will oversee/perform all phases of controls and automation project work and plant automation support. This position will also focus on improving all aspects of existing automation, as well as developing new automation equipment and controls integration optimization. Additionally, responsibilities include metrology and instrumentation design and calibration. Leads, trains and coaches’ employees in maintenance and the repair of machinery and equipment.

Job Summary

At Danone, Manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams. We are currently looking to hire an Automation Engineer based in Mt. Crawford, Virginia!

Key Responsibilities

As a key member of our team, you will play an important role in driving our mission forward. The following responsibilities outline the core expectations and contributions for this position:

• Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible and accurate format and completed with all required information
• Attend and practice all required training
• Lead predictive maintenance techniques on equipment to enhance uptime conditions
• Train maintenance mechanics and machine operators on maintenance techniques when called to troubleshoot or repair equipment
• Leads the completion of preventative maintenance and other reliability tasks, and leads in diagnostics, repairs and rebuilds of machines, partners with Automation Engineers & others on non-routine repairs and defect handling solutions
• Design control systems/ Upgrade control system
• Calibration of new and existing instruments, control valves, controllers, etc.
• Monitoring and troubleshooting of control loops, instruments, and/or entire control systems
• Maintains daily maintenance and plant calibration logs
• Able to be contacted in case of, and responds to, an emergency
• Able to read, modify, and troubleshoot through PLC and HMI codes
• Install VFD’s, program, and tune settings for proper operation
• Lead root cause analysis thought process to ensure sustainability of corrective actions and/or advise Automation Engineers of improvements to drive asset reliability
• Effectively complete PM’s as scheduled to eliminate unplanned downtime
• Proficient and diligent in use of CMMS system to track maintenance action items
• Classify breakdowns and analyze gaps in the entire process of design, fabrication, and maintenance of equipment
• Utilize the continuous improvement mindset and tools to actively participate in identifying and correcting opportunities, improving processes including participation in the creation and documentation of Standard Operating Procedures and Work Instructions, the creation and maintenance of preventative maintenance standards, the writing of One-Point Lessons, and participation in continuous improvement methodology events
• Follow QMS, Good Manufacturing Practices and 5S methodology to maintain a clean, sanitary and safe work area, always maintaining audit ready status
• Adhere to all Pillar Standards and actively participate in Pillar activities (i.e. Quality, Focused Improvement, Safety, etc.) including but not limited to assessments, observations, inspections, and recommendations
• Communicates effectively with Forepersons, OPEX Leaders, Production Leaders, Reliability Leader, Engineering and other colleagues
• Supports plant production needs and priorities to achieve plant goals
• Facilitate, attend and participate in team meetings and programs
• Lead, train, and coach employees
• Comply with all regulations, policies and procedures
• All other duties as assigned or become evident

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and ladders, balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear. Occasionally required to lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate noise and temperature variations.
• Work schedules could include nights, weekends and/or holidays to provide the ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate.

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteria:

Education & Experience:

• Industrial Maintenance, Automation, Robotics or equivalent training program completion preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree: (BS Degree in Chemical /Mechanical Engineer or Computer Science is preferred)
• And/or 10+ years’ experience in automation and controls preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficiency with Allen Bradley and Rockwell Authorization software/hardware, structured test programming and familiar with VFD’s
• Proficiency in MS Office and basic PC skills
• Understanding of network systems
• Capital project support experience
• Instrument calibration experience. Certification preferred.
• Working knowledge of food industry standards; AIB, PMO and FDA regulations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven decision-making ability and works well in a team environment
• Ability to prioritize and multitask
• Ability to work various hours and shifts
• Able to work overtime when required
• Flexibility