Automation and Controls Management Engineer

$120,000 - $120,000/Yr

S & D Coffee - Little Rock, AR

Full-time - Mid Level

Little Rock, AR

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Automation and Controls Management Engineer (ACME) is a pivotal role responsible for the technical design, planning, implementation, performance tuning, and recovery procedures for mission-critical Automation Systems. This position requires a deep understanding of automation and control systems, as the incumbent will serve as the technical expert across all areas of these systems. The ACME will collaborate closely with IT, Operations, and third-party automation providers to ensure a robust support system that guarantees high system availability and facilitates quick escalation and resolution of any system issues that may arise. In addition to technical responsibilities, the ACME will be tasked with the design and configuration of automation systems and system applications to meet business objectives. This includes investigating and analyzing the feasibility of system requirements, developing system specifications, and providing leadership and project management to deliver a high level of service to the Operations department. The role also involves supervising the automation and controls staff, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle the demands of the job. The ACME will be responsible for designing and developing new control systems, overseeing the maintenance and modification of existing systems, and managing support for a 24/7 production operation. Collaboration is key, as the ACME will work with design engineers, operation engineers, IT staff, purchasers, and other internal personnel. The role also requires liaising with clients, suppliers, contractors, and relevant regulatory bodies, such as the FDA, to ensure compliance and effective project management within cost and time constraints. Furthermore, the ACME will set up systems for troubleshooting and problem-solving related to IT systems, Industrial Automation Systems, and Plant Floor Instrumentation. Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations and Quality standards is essential, as is providing consultancy support and purchasing necessary equipment. The ACME will also write specifications for new software requirements, develop new business proposals, and accept responsibility and accountability commensurate with the seniority of the position. Providing troubleshooting assistance to the plant's maintenance department and developing a technical training program for maintenance staff in process controls, electrical systems, and instrumentation are also key aspects of this role. Maintaining positive and service-oriented relationships with customers, vendors, and internal operational partners is crucial, as is adherence to all company policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops new control systems
• Oversees and plans the maintenance and modification of existing systems
• Manages the support for a 24/7 production operation
• Works collaboratively with design engineers, operation engineers, IT, purchasers, and other internal staff
• Liaises with clients, suppliers, contractors, and relevant regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA)
• Project management within cost and time constrained environments
• Sets up systems for troubleshooting and problem-solving of IT systems, Industrial Automation Systems, and Plant Floor Instrumentation
• Ensures compliance with Health and Safety Regulations and Quality standards
• Provides advice and consultancy support
• Purchases equipment
• Writes specifications for new software requirements
• Develops new business proposals
• Accepts responsibility and accountability commensurate with the seniority of the position
• Provides troubleshooting help and guidance to the plant's maintenance department as required
• Assists in the development of a technical training program for the maintenance department in process controls, electrical systems, and instrumentation
• Maintains positive and service-oriented work relationships with customers, vendors, and internal operational business partners
• Complies with all company policies, procedures, and safety standard requirements
• Performs other duties as assigned by management

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and 2 years of professional level job-related experience; OR 5 years of professional level job-related experience
• 2 years of professional level job-related experience in a manufacturing environment
• 2 years of experience in a managerial or leadership position

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Allen Bradley PLCs, SLCs, MicroLogix, CompactLogix, ControlLogix, PanelView, & PanelView Plus
• Familiarity with Rockwell RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, FactoryTalkView ME & PanelBuilder
• Experience with Omron PLCs and Omron CX-One
• Knowledge of Wonderware InTouch, ArchestrA System Platform, MES, Information Server, Historian, I/O Servers & DA Servers
• Experience with ACP ThinManager, ThinServer
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Server 2000, Server 2003, Server 2008
• Familiarity with Microsoft SQL Server 2005, 2008, 2012 and SQL Server Management Studio
• Experience with Microsoft Visual Studio and SQL Server Reporting Services
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook & Vision
• Experience with AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD Electrical
• Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations with limited standardization
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Strong communication skills with co-workers and external parties
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong analytical, negotiating, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to lead team meetings and provide valuable input in upper management discussions