Manufacturing and Automation Engineer
$124,000–$136,000 year
On-siteVista, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead automation, controls, and systems engineering initiatives across manufacturing and packaging operations, including compounding, encapsulation, capsule drying, sorting, capsule bottling, liquid filling, labeling, cartoning, case packing, and palletizing. Manage equipment selection, specification, procurement, FAT, installation, commissioning, optimization, and lifecycle management of manufacturing, packaging, automation, and robotics systems while coordinating with OEMs, contractors, and system integrators. Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Product Development, and Engineering teams to improve equipment reliability, product quality, throughput, and operator effectiveness. Analyze system performance to identify bottlenecks and implement automation, controls, and process improvements that increase throughput, improve OEE, reduce downtime, and minimize waste. Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis efforts involving manufacturing equipment, packaging systems, PLC controls, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, industrial networks, and machine communications. Develop standardized troubleshooting guides and corrective action procedures to support rapid issue resolution and knowledge transfer. Support integration and communication between processing equipment, packaging equipment, OEE systems, MES platforms, SCADA systems, and enterprise reporting systems. Develop, maintain, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, One-Point Lessons, troubleshooting guides, startup and shutdown procedures, and equipment operating manuals. Create and maintain manufacturing, packaging, setup, changeover, inspection, cleaning, and preventive maintenance checklists. Create and maintain automation standards, controls documentation, network architecture diagrams, equipment specifications, and system validation records. Support development of training materials and provide technical training for operators, mechanics, technicians, and engineering personnel. Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and OEE tracking to boost packaging line reliability and uptime. Develop and implement changeover reduction strategies (e.g., SMED) to improve packaging flexibility and responsiveness. Lead automation and controls aspects of capital projects including new equipment installations, facility expansions, utility upgrades, and manufacturing line improvements. Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules,
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering
- 7+ years of hands-on experience with packaging and production line systems automation in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, supplement or food industries
- Hands-on experience with bottling lines, liquid filling machines, labelers, case packers, and other downstream packaging equipment
- Experience with vision inspection systems, servo drives, robotics (pick & place, palletizers), and conveyor systems
- Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI/SCADA systems configuration, and industrial communication protocols
- Experience with robotic systems (e.g., ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa) integration and programming
- Hands-on experience with automation and control of CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems, including validation and optimization of cleaning cycles
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies, IoT devices, smart factory solutions, and data analytics platforms
- Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to improving equipment, processes, and cleaning systems
- Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with production, engineering, maintenance, quality, and IT teams
- Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities
Desired Qualifications
- LEAN Certification (e.g: Green Belt / Black Belt)
- PLC Programming Software (e.g., Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, Schneider EcoStruxure)
- HMI and SCADA Software (e.g., FactoryTalk View, Ignition by Inductive Automation, Wonderware, GE iFIX)
- Industrial Networking and Protocols (e.g., configuring Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP networks)
- Robotics Programming Tools (e.g., ABB RobotStudio, FANUC ROBOGUIDE, Yaskawa MotoSim)
- CAD Software for reviewing mechanical and electrical layouts (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks Electrical, EPLAN)
- Simulation and Modeling Tools (e.g., Siemens Process Simulate, Arena Simulation for manufacturing flow)
- Data Acquisition and Analysis Tools (e.g., OSIsoft PI System, SQL databases, Excel advanced functions/macros)
- MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) or ERP Systems (understanding integration with SAP, Oracle, or specialized MES platforms)
- Programming/Scripting Skills
- CMMS and Maintenance Software (for asset management and predictive maintenance) (e.g., Fiix, UpKeep, IBM Maximo)
- CIP System Automation Software (controlled through PLC/SCADA — familiarity with setting up/optimizing automated CIP recipes and sequences)
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