Arizona Canning Company – Tucson, AZ

Job Description

JOB TITLE: AUTOMATION ENGINEER

SALARY LEVEL:Exempt JOB CODE: 17

LOCATION:Tucson, AZDEPARTMENT: Operations

PREPARED BY:Shane Gesbeck REPORTS TO: Engineering Mgr

APPROVED BY: Shane GesbeckDATE PREPARED: 09/22/06

APPROVED BY: Albert Hoflack DATE REVISED: 02/18/13

SUMMARY: The Automation Engineer is responsible for ensuring that the plant control systems are maintained in an operable condition at all times, including licensing, revision upgrades, hardware upgrades, documentation control procedures, change management procedures pertinent to the controls and automation systems, and other issues related to system functionality and operability.

The Automation Engineer will work with the IT department to drive and support information systems and applications related to shop floor production activity.

The Automation Engineer will work with the Quality Manager in supporting the validation and operation of the thermal process, CIP, batch control processes, and packaging lines. The Automation Engineer is responsible for ensuring current control program documentation and back-up copies are maintained via a systematic process that supports the IT disaster recovery plan.

The Automation Engineer will support continuous improvement projects, and capital improvements in these areas, including project engineering and project management, as assigned.

The Automation Engineer will assist in training and development of the Electrical & Instrumentation Technicians.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Responsible for insuring that systems and processes related to controls and automation in the processing areas, CIP systems,utilities, and packaging areas are properly maintained to prevent product loss, maintain quality and HACCP parameters, and minimize unplanned downtime.
  • Responsible for a well trained work force to accomplish a maximum uptime or equipment.
  • Must be familiar with control and automation systems and their application, including the integration of such systems, in order to facilitate and expedite problem identification and resolution.
  • Responsible for identifying and developing training plans for plant automation technicians and electricians.
  • Observes and enforces company safety regulations.
  • Observes and supports GMP program.
  • Provides process control support for the plant HACCP program.
  • Works with operations group to assist in developing SOPs as related to automation and control systems and interfaces.
  • Ability to assist in troubleshooting efforts is required. Must be able to facilitate methodical approach to problem solving efforts. Acts as a technical resource to other mangers and technicians. May be required to dial in via modem to assist in these efforts.
  • Ensures that labor and parts are charged out to appropriate cost centers.
  • Ensure that all FDA required documentation be in place and kept up to date where applicable to the automated control systems and data collection. Shall be familiar with FDA regulations and changes to the regulatory rules.
  • Assists in design, implementation, and maintenance of a process instrumentation calibration program.
  • Provide accurate information to the Plant Operations Group regarding maintenance of equipment within their responsibilities.
  • Coordinates system maintenance with production needs on the shift, will schedule work as required not to interfere with production schedules.
  • Supervises the modification and installation of existing and new equipment.
  • The timely completion of process program change orders.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in a related field; or a combination of 5 years related experience with technical school training or college. In this case, previous experience in similar capacity is a plus.

A demonstrated knowledge of process control, machine control, PC based control systems, PLC based control systems, and industrial control networks is required.

Should be familiar with batch control systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (HMI servers and clients).

Knowledge or experience with SQL database applications, Visual Basic, and other similar programming tools is a plus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Ability to read electrical prints, schematics, panel drawings, P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and PLC ladder logic is required.

Mathematical SKILLS: Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analyses of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

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 fob. 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 regularly required to walk and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions,

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The employee frequently works in high, precarious places and is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, and risk of electrical shock. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.