Automation Engineer

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world.
Situated in Stanislaus County, our Turlock South manufacturing plant specializes in the production of butter and milk powder.
We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California!
We offer a generous total rewards package that includes:

• Salary Range $98,510- $148,440
• Family medical/dental/vision
• Generous company contributions to 401k
• Relocation Assistance
• 11 Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Tuition reimbursement

Job Summary
The Automation Engineer will work cross functionally with the plants and Engineering Department to support all electro-mechanical automation equipment, PLCs, motion control systems, vision systems and industrial network equipment and structure.
Essential Functions

• Design mechanical systems for new, or modify existing, automated machinery to bring standardization to manufacturing processes.
• Design and specify electrical components for OEM and custom automated industrial equipment.
• Work with other engineers to specify equipment and electrical design in order to ensure design intent and provide an effective process.
• Establish technical manuals, drawings, models, training documentation, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting guides for newly established automated equipment/processes.
• Document system changes and report on changes.
• Backup and categorize system settings to insure proper documentation and revision control.
• Travel to multiple sites for design reviews, research, installation, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to accept feedback and improvement suggestions and brainstorm with plant leadership to find solutions to complex issues.
• Document existing architecture and evaluate for potential risks and design issues.
• Ability to self-direct on projects and task.
• Work with hand tools, multi-meters, and testing equipment to diagnose electrical systems ranging from 24VDC to 600VAC.
• Repair, replace, install, and commission automation components include cables and connectors, sensors, VFD and servo drives, and other electro-mechanical devices.
• Read and interpret PLC code to assist the production team in diagnosis of line down situations and/or fault conditions.
• Escalate line down situations per protocol and interface with engineering and operations teams.
• Identify continuous improvement projects to improve personal and equipment safety, operator ease of use, product quality, and equipment uptime.
• Availability for after hour calls and remote troubleshooting of processes.
• Proficiency interpreting electrical, network, pneumatic, and hydraulic diagrams.
• Proficiency diagnosing Ethernet and other device interface communications between PLCs.
• Experience with different types of brands such as but not limited to Allen Bradley, GE Omron, Siemens, B&R, and/or Mitsubishi.
• Proficiency in selecting/integrating appropriate circuit protectors, wire and cable, and sensors.
• Preferred experience with semi-automated / automated manufacturing equipment.
• Must work in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment.
• Must be able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot problems and be persistent until a solution is found.
• Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process, goals or objectives are unclear.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, including, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, as well as planning software/tools (i.e. Microsoft D365).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of employees and subject matter experts.
• Strong analytical, project and product management skills, including a thorough understanding of how to interpret business needs and translate them into operational requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work experience as a project engineer executing small-mid level capital projects.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills.
• MS Office Software knowledge, use of Word, Excel, SharePoint, MS Project, and Teams.
• Familiarity and ability to comply with all applicable rules, regulations, best practices, and performance standards.
• Aptitude for working collaboratively with multiple disciplines within teams and projects.
• Proven success in the areas of project execution, technical and problem-solving skills.

• Proficient in Rockwell Based Software. (RsView, RsLogix 5-5000)
• Proficient in GE Software. (iFix, Historian, Proficy Machine Edition)
• Mid Level understanding of Industrial Data / Controls Server Operation and maintenance.
• Proficient in VPN usage. (Primarily SonicWall)
• Must have general understanding of Windows operation system including backup, restore, and evaluate update of OS or security related impact on current systems.
• Must be proficient in network setup and repair.
• Must work in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety procedures including the use of safety equipment.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot problems and be persistent until a solution is found.
• Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process, goals or objectives are unclear.
• Proficient in WonderWare/Aveva System platform
• Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical / Chemical / Electrical /Industrial Engineering or similar preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in food/beverage manufacturing facility plant engineering processes involving modification and automation of food production equipment, refrigeration, electrical, steam generation, and waste water processing.

Language Skills
English is required as the written and spoken language.
Driving Requirements
Must possess or be able to acquire a state issued Driver's License.
Equipment
The Engineering Project Engineer should have general knowledge of pumps, pneumatic values, AC drives, motor starters, separators, instrumentation, welding, grinding, butter equipment, fans, high-pressure pumps, electrical troubleshooting, powder packaging equipment, PLC controls, gearboxes, pneumatic system, boilers, ammonia compressors, ammonia system, glycol system, cooling towers, air compressors, pasteurizers. Will be required to utilize a computer and business related software. Will be required to drive between locations of responsibility.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship to the company if such accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Employee will be subject to temperatures from 34 to above 100 degrees. An employee may be exposed to the following: ammonia, acids, caustics, chlorines, paints, particles, oils and lubricants, steam, pneumatics, fumes and hazardous gases, sealing compounds.
ADA/FEHA
The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.
EEO
The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Physical Demands
The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.

• Sitting/Standing/Walking: The Automation Engineer during the course of an 8-hour workday will do all three. They will walk several hundred feet over uneven surfaces checking areas as needed.
• Lifting/Carrying: Lifts up to 60 pounds on an in-frequent basis.
• Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing/pulling are done.
• Bending/Stooping: Both done regularly during the course of a workday.
• Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Squatting, kneeling and crawling done occasionally.
• Twisting/Turning: Twisting and kneeling are done while doing regular duties.
• Climbing/Balancing: Some vertical ladder climbing required. Balancing on ladders and machinery sometimes is required if assistance is needed in troubleshooting or mechanical issues.
• Reaching: Frequently reaching from floor level to shoulder level done during 8-hour workday.
• Grasping/Manipulating: Frequent use of hands and fingers while using hand tools and positioning of machine parts.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.