Automation Engineer

GCC is seeking an Automation Engineer to join the team at its cement facility, working on site in Bozeman, MT with operations connected to the Three Forks, MT plant. The role is focused on designing, implementing, and maintaining plant automation systems to support operations and drive continuous improvement through CI, HP, and 5S initiatives. The position offers a salary range of USD 100,000 to 115,000 per year.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Maintenance Manager to maintain automation engineering systems and ensure continuous plant operation.
• Assist operations teams during normal operations and during troubleshooting activities.
• Analyze electronic and automation equipment using Continuous Improvement (CI) and High Performance (HP) methodologies to identify improvements, select appropriate instruments and controls, and implement solutions.
• Review, and when necessary modify, equipment start sequences and interlocks while maintaining 5S KPIs.
• Design, specify, and implement electronic engineering systems for the cement plant, including PLC programs and HMI screens.
• Supervise and provide direction, training, and development for automation technicians and electricians.
• Design, specify, and oversee the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of opacity and continuous emission monitors for environmental and process applications.
• Design, specify, and oversee the installation, maintenance, and operation of plant automation systems.
• Operate computer-assisted engineering software to perform engineering tasks.
• Prepare and maintain all technical drawings while upholding 5S KPIs.
• Review or implement a Preventive Maintenance Routine for environmental and process instrumentation to maintain 5S KPIs.
• Review spare parts requirements and request changes as needed. Research, select, or apply sensors, communication technologies, or control devices for motion control, position sensing, pressure sensing, or electronic communication.
• Prepare specifications for Bills of Materials and equipment; review SAP settings.
• Assist in developing capital project programs for new automation equipment using CI and HP methodologies.
• Act as an interface between the plant electronic components systems and the IT department.
• Design, implement, and maintain instrumentation equipment.
• Remain knowledgeable of current cement industry standards and technology; research and propose capital projects aligned with CI and HP.
• Compile data and reports to evaluate potential engineering projects for environmental compliance.
• Advise and consult with the Plant Manager on resolving electronic systems problems using CI and HP principles.
• Support automated lab systems, including human-machine interface and PLCs (hardware and software).
• Support the maintenance business unit during device troubleshooting and instrument calibration, providing direct assistance to the Electrical Department and Automation Technicians.
• Assist operations teams with plant automation and electronics systems, reviewing start sequences, interlocks, alarm, and shutdown set points.
• Place requisitions for materials and parts from storerooms and vendors.
• Maintain a safe working environment, follow MSHA safety policies, supervise daily housekeeping in assigned areas using 5S methods, and comply with plant policies and proper use of radios.
• Ensure work quality, manage time effectively, and conduct root-cause analysis of failures.
• Lead Continuous Improvement and High-Performance projects and KPI initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Electronics, or related field).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in cement manufacturing and automation processes.
• Experience with 5S methodology and KPI tracking (3+ years).
• Proven background in continuous improvement initiatives (3+ years).
• Familiarity with high-performance methodologies (2+ years).
• Strong understanding and application of 5S and continuous improvement practices.

Technologies

• SAP
• PLC
• HMI

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• 401K

You will love working here because

At GCC, employees are our most important resource. As part of the GCC family, you’ll be welcomed into a culture that supports the company vision and internal career growth. Our company vision is to have our customers recognize us as a business partner that generates the most value for their construction projects. We’re a sustainable growing company, a great place to work, and a solid investment for our shareholders. GCC is an enterprise with a global and sustainable approach.

Equal Opportunity Employer

GCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors. We hold each other accountable to live our core values of health and safety, attitude of service, integrity, teamwork, innovation and excellence. GCC employees demonstrate these values every day.