Automation Engineer

Sofidel invites an Automation Engineer to join its manufacturing team onsite in Circleville, Ohio. The role blends project leadership with hands-on technical support, supplier collaboration, and continuous process improvements to uphold GMP and HACCP standards while prioritizing safety, quality, and cost efficiency in production. A bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant experience are required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Support Sofidel America’s GMP and HACCP programs to maintain a safe, sanitary, and hygienically sound workplace.
• Technically and economically evaluate supplier offers and prepare information to inform purchasing decisions.
• Collaborate with the purchasing officer to participate in supplier negotiations when needed.
• Provide technical support and training to production units, including post-startup phases.
• Stay informed about technological innovations through ongoing supplier relationships.
• Foster a safety-focused corporate culture and uphold corporate principles and values.
• Manage Project Management activities for Capital and Major Expense projects as assigned.
• Deliver practical project engineering and design expertise, completing calculations, drawings, specifications, and reports within approved schedules and budgets.
• Offer technical support and direction to operations to optimize quality, efficiency, and cost.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with operations, maintenance, field service, sales, and marketing, serving as a communication channel for customer quality issues.
• Identify root causes and implement corrective actions for quality and production deficiencies.
• Support the production department during outages and contribute to safety improvements.
• Supervise hourly technicians and co-ops in the department where applicable.
• Work from verbal and written instructions and work orders; maintain open communication between shifts.
• Utilize designated computer systems to input work orders, track tasks, and manage inventory parts.
• Perform preventive electrical maintenance on equipment and instrument systems; troubleshoot and diagnose instrumentation or electrical failures and propose corrective actions; monitor instruments to stay within range.
• Oversee and direct preventive maintenance, including contact changes, motor checks, and operation of robotic systems.
• Maintain robotic systems, including all mechanical and electrical components, to ensure proper operation.
• Program, troubleshoot, and repair PLC/DCS systems; repair electrical and electronic systems including electromechanical production equipment.
• Collect PLC data to monitor equipment efficiency and aid in planning future conversions.
• Program and monitor computerized monitoring systems to verify correct output settings.
• Inspect equipment to identify potential issues; participate in process improvement efforts, identify inefficiencies and design flaws, and collaborate to resolve problems and implement improvements.
• Manage contractors and vendors to improve efficiency, output, and plant safety, contributing to technology upgrades and better service.
• Read and utilize electrical schematic diagrams and stay informed about new innovations and techniques in the field.
• Assist with on-the-job training of other staff members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field; minimum 2 years of experience in an industrial environment.
• Strong analytical and technical skills.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and computer skills.
• Solid mechanical aptitude; ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• High integrity and the ability to promote a safe working environment.
• Innovative with a drive for results.
• Ability to manage conflict; managerial courage and interpersonal savvy are preferred.
• Ability to communicate vision and purpose and motivate others is a plus.

Technologies

• DVMs
• Oscilloscopes
• PLC
• DCS
• Robotic systems
• Computer software applications

Other duties may include

• Perform or assist with operations as required to maintain workflow and meet schedules and quality requirements; notify supervision of unusual equipment or operating problems and the need for additional materials.
• Maintain a safe work area and comply with safety procedures and equipment operating rules; keep the work area clean and orderly.
• Participate in meetings and work groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems, and stay informed about new developments and regulatory guidelines.
• Be available to support maintenance and engineering activities outside normal business hours when needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.