Equipment and Automation Controls Engineer

Job Title: Equipment and Automation Controls Engineer

Location: Atlanta, GA

Note: Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT PLC systems is a must.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled Equipment and Automation Controls Engineer to join our team. This role involves designing, implementing, installing, analyzing, and/or optimizing manufacturing processes, procedures, equipment, and programming. The ideal candidate will also have expertise in PLC and automation controls, ensuring seamless integration and functionality of mechatronic systems to best support our 24/7 operation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manufacturing Process Improvements:Lead the development and design of manufacturing process improvements, procedures, and equipment installation by creating detailed project plans, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing resources, and overseeing budgets. Includes inspection and test requirements into the production plan. Inspect machinery, equipment, and tools to verify efficiency and initiate corrective actions for any deficiencies.
• Customer-Specific Adaptations:Adapt machine or equipment designs to meet specific safety, quality and performance demands while optimizing factory and production conditions.
• Product and Process Design Guidance:Provide guidance on product design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques.
• Data Analytics and Compliance:Prepare and maintain statistical data and reports to ensure compliance with regulations. Identify process improvements to reduce waste using Lean tools and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Control Systems Implementation:Design, implement, install, and commission controls and automation systems (PLC, SCADA) for machines and processes.
• User Requirements Analysis:Specify and analyze user requirements; commission and test interfaces, components, and functions of control system solutions.
• Troubleshooting:Troubleshoot and correct issues related to complex PLC and SCADA projects. Provide expert-level support and work with various internal customers on key systems/deliverables. Be available for periodic after-hours support of the 24/7 manufacturing process.
• Program Optimization:Identify options and evaluate the most appropriate solutions to adapt, simplify or improve existing PLC programs.
• Vendor Coordination:Communicate and coordinate with internal/external vendors during the implementation, commissioning, FAT, and SAT of control systems.
• Technical Documentation:Generate required technical documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), training manuals, and validation protocols in accordance with GMP guidelines.
• Process Optimization:Measure, analyze, and identify improvement opportunities in equipment and processes using methods such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Corrective Actions:Implement corrective actions to improve product quality and reduce waste. Compose engineering studies, create change proposals, execute protocols, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Capital Projects Participation:Participate in capital projects, managing associated internal/external resources and validations. Co-design and implement improvements to equipment and processes in support of contact lens production.
• Collaboration:Work with Procurement, Production Management, Engineers, Electro-Mechanics, and Quality teams on capital projects, managing associated resources, financial decisions, and validations (e.g., FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, PQ). Coordinate with suppliers, supplier quality engineering, and quality control on raw materials and spare parts issues.
• Risk Management:Utilize risk management tools (e.g., FRA, FMEA, PHA) to make quick decisions and resolve major technical problems while minimizing downtime on equipment and processes.
• Specifications:Compose specifications for equipment or changes to equipment (e.g., URS, FS, SDS).
• Subject Matter Expertise:Take ownership of the role of subject matter expert in equipment or processes identified to be supported by this opening (e.g., Light Stream Lens Manufacturing). Provide expert-level support and advice to the organization on key processes and offer global support when requested.

Minimum Requirements:

• Experience in high-speed automated medical device manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Bachelor s Degree or equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +8 yrs; Assoc.+4 yrs).
• Ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English.

Preferred Experience:

• Broad work experience applying and directly contributing expertise in process automation and control systems, development methods, and applications.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and develop solutions for complex problems requiring creativity and originality.
• Excellent knowledge of PLC software programming, including Beckhoff and Siemens systems
• Experience in safety PLC concepts for automated manufacturing equipment with chemical systems
• Experience with SCADA systems.