fairlife, LLC, is a Chicago-based health food company with a mission to enrich lives by sustainably providing nourishment and vitality to the world. We produce and market nutritious and great-tasting milk beverages made using a patented cold-filtration process that removes lactose and sugars while maximizing the natural proteins, nutrients, and minerals found in cow’s milk. The company was founded in 2012 by Select Milk Producers, Inc.®, a group of dairy farmers dedicated to the pursuit of higher quality milk and a desire to revitalize the dairy industry through forward-thinking product innovation.
Our line of delicious fairlife® products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk, the only cow’s milk with 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk for the whole family; Core Power®, a high protein milk shake for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to help build lean muscle and support healthy post-workout recovery; fairlife® with DHA, an ultra-filtered milk with DHA Omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health; fairlife® YUP!™, a line of flavored milks; and the newly launched fairlife® Nutrition Plan™, a high protein, low sugar meal-replacement drink. In partnership with The Coca Cola Company®, fairlife ultra-filtered milk and Core Power high protein shakes are distributed throughout the United States (U.S.) and Canada; all other fairlife drinks are available nationwide in the U.S.
To learn more about fairlife and its collection of products, please visit fairlife.com.
job purpose: The Automation Engineer will be part of the engineering team within fairlife, LLC, reporting to the Plant Engineer. Under limited supervision, the Automation Engineer is responsible for the manufacturing automation and controls systems design, specification, documentation, programming, simulation, testing, and start-up assistance. Additionally, they will provide factory and departmental leadership, particularly in maintenance guiding the Information Systems Manager and Instrumentation & Controls Technicians. The Automation Engineer possesses operational, technical equipment, process, troubleshooting, and automation systems programming expertise. They assist enterprise-wide with managing and overseeing operational automated controls and capital project programming protocols and installations, as well as manufacturing-related processes. The Automation Engineer plans, directs, documents, and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Information Systems Manager and Maintenance Instrumentation & Controls Technicians. They are responsible for ensuring and improving the overall efficient performance, productivity, and operational compliance of the plant automation through the provision of effective methods, controls, and strategies.
responsibilities:
- PLC logic programming
- HMI or SCADA programming and configuration of any of the following software packages Wonderware, Rockwell, Factory Talk, Siemens, US Data, etc.
- Read and red-line PI&D drawings and wiring schematics
- Develop and implement standard electrical and automation engineering practices
- Design, configure, integrate and implement process control solutions for various manufacturing specifications
- Develop P&IDs and loop descriptions for various plants, processes, and equipment
- Continuously improve process control systems through Advanced Process Control, Alarm Management, and Operator Interface Optimization
- Develop user requirement specifications
- Design, write, implement, test and document PLC and HMI software
- Develop control system validation/testing protocols
- Create, edit, and document batch systems recipes
- Assist with estimates of man-hours required to complete projects and scope of projects
- Manage automation improvement projects
- Train operators, managers, and IT Technicians on control systems
- Lead, coach, and manage the performance of the maintenance Instrument Control Technician team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Serve as a resource and a technical expert for the plant in all disciplines of automation controls for line, utility support, and process equipment
- Utilize financial data to improve cost-effectiveness. Assist in the preparation of the plant budget and control of the operational budgets
- Best Practices - Improve processes and policies in support of plant and organizational goals. Formulate and implement departmental, and organizational policies and procedures to maximize output. Monitor adherence to rules, regulations and procedures
- Perform training needs analyses, as appropriate, and initiates, develops, and coordinates the implementation of specific training and development programs for management, staff, and Associates
- Serve as plant liaison for new system start up and commissioning by outside controls contractors and system integrators to insure proper transfer of documented PLC program changes and adequate training on the installation/changes that have been completed
food safety responsibilities:
- Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety
- Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas
- Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company
- Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system
- Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system
- Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected
- In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required
skills/qualifications required:
- Bachelor’s Degree required. Typically desired are degrees in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science, or Chemical Engineering though other disciplines will be considered.
- 7+ years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified required
- Experience in commissioning and startup of control systems
- Programming experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix and SLC500 PLCs, Siemens, Mitsubishi, etc.
- HMI or SCADA programming and configuration of Rockwell Factory Talk View ME and SE
- Allen Bradley VFDs (primarily PowerFlex 70 and 700)
- ControlNet networks and RSNetWorx for ControlNet
- Knowledge of and familiarity with the National Electric Code (NEC) and international standards
- Proficiency designing and programming control systems with emphasis on PLCs, SCADA or HMI systems
- Ability to work with internal engineers, external vendors, operators, and management to manage projects and assignments is essential
- Ability to troubleshoot control systems from the field element up through operator interfaces and databases
- Proficiency with control system networking technologies and PC networking technology
- Proficiency working with SQL Server, Oracle, or other relational databases
- Experience with Microsoft PowerBI preferred
- Proficiency with Visual Basic scripting desired
- Familiarity with dairy productions processes, Clean In Place, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and legal pasteurization controls/requirements
- Familiarity with Endress + Hauser instrumentation (flow meters, level transmitters, RTDs/temperature transmitters, level probes, etc.)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Specific knowledge of GMP’s and batch process control in the food science industry with validation experience is a plus
- Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information
- Knowledge of USDA, State, and Federal regulations for a dairy manufacturing facility
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to support production demands including on-call support when necessary
- Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
position location: Coopersville, MI
reports to: Engineering Manager
travel requirements: 5-10%