Job Description
Automation Engineer
| Position | Automation Engineer |
| Level | Junior (0 2 years experience) |
| Location | Hugoton, Kansas, USA |
| Work Arrangement | Fully On-Site |
We are establishing a new dairy manufacturing facility in Hugoton, Kansas, producing processed milk, creamers, and cream cheeses across process, utilities, filling, and packaging operations. This is a greenfield opportunity to build the site's automation function from the ground up.
As an Automation Engineer, you will be one of two automation professionals responsible for the entire automation and controls landscape at the site. You will be expected to take real ownership from day one. This is a hands-on role with a strong focus on fault finding, troubleshooting, and maintaining the reliability of all automation systems. You will program PLCs, manage SCADA and server infrastructure, and keep production running. You will work alongside a senior automation engineer and collaborate with operations, maintenance, and global teams.
Key Responsibilities Fault Finding and Troubleshooting
- Own first-line response for automation-related faults across process, utilities, filling, and packaging areas.
- Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, and SCADA faults on the Rockwell Automation platform (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FactoryTalk View, FactoryTalk Optix).
- Troubleshoot industrial network issues across Ethernet/IP, TCP/IP, and Profinet protocols.
- Resolve issues on virtualization platforms (Hyper-V, VMware ESXi) and Windows Server environments.
- Maintain detailed records of faults, resolutions, and recurring issues to support continuous improvement.
Hands-On Automation and Control Systems
- Program, configure, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems on the Rockwell Automation platform.
- Maintain and modify control logic for pasteurization, separation, homogenization, batching, filling, CIP/SIP systems, and utility systems.
- Manage system backups, version control (Rockwell AssetCentre), and documentation updates.
- Maintain and support the Rockwell Automation portfolio at the site including firmware updates, licensing, and patching.
- Configure and maintain industrial network infrastructure.
- Manage and maintain virtualization hosts and Windows Server environments supporting automation applications.
Maintenance of Automation Assets
- Execute preventive maintenance activities on all automation and control system assets, including PLCs, HMI terminals, SCADA servers, network switches, and virtualization hosts.
- Perform corrective maintenance and fault resolution to minimize production downtime.
- Monitor automation asset health and flag end-of-life or degradation concerns.
- Maintain spare parts inventory for critical automation components.
Manufacturing Support
- Provide hands-on support to operations and maintenance teams during production.
- Participate in root cause analyses (RCA) and Management of Change (MOC) processes.
- Support commissioning, startup, and validation activities for new equipment and process lines.
- Ensure all automation changes follow plant change-control procedures.
Compliance and Safety
- Support compliance of control systems with regulatory and industry standards (FDA, PMO, OSHA, NFPA, 3-A Sanitary Standards).
- Maintain safety interlocks, alarms, and emergency-stop systems.
- Support quality and food safety initiatives, including traceability, batch control, and audit readiness.
Continuous Improvement and Collaboration
- Identify opportunities to improve automation reliability and reduce downtime.
- Support digital transformation initiatives including data historians and MES.
- Collaborate with global engineering and global IT teams as required.
- Actively develop technical skills and automation expertise through hands-on experience and training.
Qualifications Required
- Tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, or a related technical discipline.
- 0 2 years of experience in automation, controls, or a related engineering role (internships and co-ops count).
- Foundational knowledge of PLC and HMI programming, preferably on the Rockwell Automation platform.
- Basic understanding of industrial networking protocols including Ethernet/IP, TCP/IP, and Profinet.
- Familiarity with Windows Server environments and virtualization concepts (Hyper-V, VMware ESXi).
- Ability to read electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control system documentation.
- Strong troubleshooting aptitude and a methodical, persistent approach to fault finding.
- Interest in or exposure to dairy processing or food manufacturing environments.
Preferred
- Experience with Ignition SCADA platform (Inductive Automation).
- Exposure to MES platforms such as Sepasoft.
- Familiarity with Wonderware/AVEVA Historian or similar process data historians.
- Exposure to Rockwell AssetCentre for automation asset management.
- Knowledge of pasteurization controls, CIP/SIP automation, or PMO requirements.
Core Competencies
- Self-starter who takes ownership and works independently when needed.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a hands-on mentality.
- Eagerness to learn and develop deep technical expertise.
- Excellent communication and teamwork.
- Attention to detail and commitment to food safety.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Proactive and resourceful approach to problem-solving.
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