Automation Controls Superintendent

Summary

Superintendent – Automation Controls is responsible for implementing new and maintaining current control and robotic systems.   Identifying opportunities to reduce cost with improved equipment and systems, supporting and troubleshooting production equipment. Improvement of existing equipment control systems, developing additional functionality to production equipment and developing/maintaining a system for tracking equipment control software.  The superintendent is directly responsible for managing multi-craft technicians and or automation technicians at the local site. 

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Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1.  Integration of new automation to current line capabilities.

2. Review technical specifications and schematics for new equipment to ensure that sound engineering practices are followed and that Machine Build Standards, NEC, and OSHA requirements are met.

3.  Add additional automation and robotic functionality to existing production equipment.

4. Perform system evaluations, electrical design and automation system programming support for all plant manufacturing operations.  Maintain a system for keeping track of control software.

5. Solve technical problems supporting production.  Perform root-cause analysis, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain automation and robotic equipment.

6. Upgrading of existing equipment and integration of existing equipment with new automation.  Alterations to existing manuals and wiring diagrams, implementation of training packages for equipment altered.

7. Troubleshoot electrical wiring, relay logic, control and safety circuits.

8. Troubleshoot electronic boards, PLC’s, touch screens, VFD’s, HMI displays, contactors and motors.

9. Designs and develops the human machine interface (HMI).

10. Communicates and coordinates with management of the installation team to ensure that technicians are executing per documented processes.

11. Manage and help perform preventative and predictive maintenance of all automation equipment.

12. Train Automation Control Techs and Maintenance Techs on equipment, procedures and troubleshooting practices.

13. Follow all company policies including, but not limited to general manufacturing and safety practices.

14. Ensure that work is completed in accordance with relevant codes and proper documentation.

15. Participate in continuous improvement activities and performance teams for suggesting methods to improve processes, efficiency, quality and service.

16. Be able to provide after-hours telephone and on-site troubleshooting assistance to plant electrical, engineering and production departments in a 24-hour, 7 days a week operation.

17. Follow all company policies and procedures including, but not limited to GMP, HACCP, Health and Safety, Attendance.

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field or work experience in a related field.

Experience Requirements

1. 3 - 5 years experience in an industrial environment.

2. Experience with machine controls, PLC ladder logic and Fanuc robot programing preferred.

3. Ambition to drive innovation of machines in a manufacturing environment.

4. Definitive experience with RCA and associated CI Tools and Principles.

5. High-level of analytical thinking and communication skills.

6. Outstanding organizational and time-management skills

7. Recognition of different perspectives and ability to deal with all levels of the organization.

Experience Preferred

1. Must have good understanding of PLC systems and ability to create PLC program code and program documentation.  Should have good practical experience in PLC systems for process or material handling work.

2. Experience with “Allen-Bradley”, PLC programming experience. 

3. HMI programming experience.

4. Experience with Allen-Bradley variable frequency AC drives and reduced voltage starters preferred.

5. Experience specifying, installing and troubleshooting thermocouples, pressure transducers, proximity sensors, etc.

6. Proficient troubleshooting including, but not limited to electrical/electronic circuits.

7. Proficiency at using tools including, but not limited to electronic testing equipment.

8. Capability of using a Windows based PC and Microsoft Office applications.

9. Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to relate well to a wide range of constituents.

10. Must be able to function well as a member of a team.

11. Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, Holidays and overtime as needed.

12. Ability to travel to other facilities at a rate of 25% - 50%.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

1. In stationary positions or moving for 12 hours on a wet, moist, dry and greasy floor which includes metal or plastic grating surfaces with up to four (4) hours in a single interval. 

2. Ability to climb stairs, upon equipment, catwalks and work from various ladders.  Exposure to and work in temperatures of <0 to >110 degrees Fahrenheit with ambient humidity, noise exposure of >110 db, and light intensity range of <50 to >100 foot candles. 

3. Bending, twisting, lifting, reaching, sitting, and grasping varies in repetitions, distance, degrees, angle, weight, height longest interval of time, objects grasped, and body positions depends upon the maintenance task being performed. 

4. Must be able to lift and control weights up to 100 pounds. 

5. Must be able to bend down and to maintain a kneeling position. 

6. Must be able to work outside in all types of weather conditions. 

7. Exposure to chlorinated water <50ppm, ammonia vapors >5ppm, dry ice, caustic detergents, lubricating oils, hydraulic oils, salt and other chemicals found in a poultry processing operation. 

8. Must wear and/or use protective and safety equipment required for the job.