Automation Engineer

Thrive Foods is hiring an onsite Automation Engineer in American Fork, UT. This role supports a fast-paced manufacturing environment by designing, implementing, and maintaining industrial automation, control, and instrumentation systems. You will work end-to-end, from concept through commissioning, helping strengthen automation performance while supporting food safety expectations.

What you’ll do

• Design and develop industrial automation systems, including PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications.
• Program, test, and commission PLC/HMI control systems for new and existing equipment.
• Design, construct, modify, and maintain control panel layouts and electrical schematics.
• Develop and update P&IDs and instrumentation diagrams using CAD software.
• Create Functional Design Specifications and Control Narratives.
• Specify, integrate, and calibrate industrial sensors and measurement devices.
• Troubleshoot automation hardware and instrumentation issues.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.
• Lead and manage automation initiatives across the project lifecycle from concept through commissioning.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to improve automation and control processes.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and HMI/SCADA development, with Ignition preferred.
• Experience with commissioning activities, including I/O checks and sequence testing.
• Familiarity with motor controls, PID loops, VFDs, sensors, and industrial instrumentation.
• Ability to read, redline, and update electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to travel up to 40% to company and supplier sites across North America.

Preferred qualifications

• 2+ years of relative experience.
• Proficiency with electrical design tools such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Experience designing and constructing control panels using applicable design standards.
• Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus and Ethernet/IP.
• Understanding of database integration including SQL, MES, or data historians.
• Experience with controls for utilities systems, such as steam and refrigeration.

Technologies you’ll work with

• PLC, HMI, SCADA
• Ignition
• CAD software (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN)
• Modbus, Ethernet/IP
• SQL, MES, data historians

Food safety expectations

Place high priority on food safety, quality, and sanitation by understanding and executing Thrive Freeze Dry’s food safety and sanitation policies and procedures. Hold self and others accountable by communicating any food safety incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates.

Physical requirements

• Consistent and reliable attendance.
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; frequent fine finger dexterity.
• Generally requires physical activity time including 50% or more sitting, 50% or more walking, and 50% or more standing.
• Work performed under some temperature variations in a food manufacturing production environment.
• Unrestricted visual and audio abilities required for the safety of all employees.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.