Plant Automation Controls Engineer - Jack Link's Protein Snacks

When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh Meats.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Plant Automation Controls Engineer will provide automation controls leadership and support in the development of plant engineering led solutions for complex consumer product production challenges, i.e., new product introductions or line installations, custom machine solutions for unique packaging or product making needs, or systems analysis leading to throughput and efficiency gains. They will be responsible for technical and functional leadership of the Perry Plant Automation Controls & Electrical Systems. Under limited supervision, they will support plant automation and controls projects across the platform consistent with the strategic direction. This role serves as a key plant subject matter expert and resource for Equipment Controls.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

Duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of:                                                    

• Support Plant Operations                                             
  • Develop and implement automation controls to support plant floor strategies, efficiency, productivity improvement, and innovation.
  • Support operational and line efficiency initiatives to meet operating expectations and are completed within authorized budgets and schedule constraints.
  • Perform root cause analysis specific to system controls breakdowns.
  • Strong analytical and proven problem-solving skills and attention to details.
• Execute and Support Capital Projects                                                                                    
  • Support as an expert, implementation of plant automation control projects.
  • Supports the team with the development and execution of project scope, costs, and schedule from concept through vertical start-up.
  • Collaborate with project teams, and internal/external technical resources to assess opportunities for application of innovative designs, performance improvements, technical advantages, speed to market and capital efficiencies ensuring optimum business value is achieved during capital project activity.
• Develop and support strategic Electrical Controls/Automation Initiatives                           
  • Help lead, implement & support MES and SCADA.
  • Drives technical solutions by evaluating and recommending new technologies to help reduce/eliminate issues associated with equipment performance.
  • Supports the development of the plant long-range controls capital plan and manage obsolescence.
  • Maintaining a robust disaster recovery plan, including managing source control software (i.e., Asset Centre).        
• Technical Services Leadership and Support Duties                                            
  • Strong control systems background with experience in servo motion control, stepper motors, tuning and maintaining control systems including motion, safety, vision, and sensor systems.
  • Coaches and mentors Plant Engineers & Maintenance Technicians to build technical capability and leadership behaviors consistent with our stated goals.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience
• 2+ years relevant work experience 

Preferred:

• Food industry or CPG experience in Electrical Control/Automation.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Project engineering experience including scope definition, cost estimation and tracking.
• Must have knowledge of processing, packaging & facility systems along with an understanding of manufacturing, engineering, quality, and research functions.
• Demonstrates project management leadership, problem-solving, decision making, troubleshooting, communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with TPM, Six Sigma, LEAN or other vigorous Continuous Improvement Methodologies preferred.
• Ability to work with a team and influence diverse groups at various levels and across functions.
• Job assignments are complex in nature and require excellent planning and technical skills. Must be able to work independently.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-changing work environment and be a creative thinker.
• Ability to teach the fundamentals of electrical automation and control systems.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the primary codes and safety requirements applicable to controls safety systems, robotics, and power distribution equipment and systems.
• Demonstrates compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA, City and/or State agencies, etc. for both manufacturing processes and building requirements.
• Strong ability to utilize application, programming, and integration experience through a variety of hardware/software.
• Experience in programming PLC’s e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens or Mitsubishi using ladder logic.
• Strong understanding of low and medium voltage power distribution and associated equipment is preferred.
• Familiarity with SCADA and its supporting software: Ignition, Kepware, and SQL database management
• Qualified candidates will be able to present and detail a successful automation project that they have led from concept to completion.
• Experience with designing and supporting complex ethernet based plant communications such as NAT, Ethernet/IP, and OPC UA.
• Must be proficient in the use of MS Office applications, including MS Project, Word and Excel.
• Ability to travel up to 5-10% of the time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or more up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant/office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors. However, the vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled office.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.