Automation and Controls Engineer

Automation and Controls Engineer

This position requires a strong knowledge of high-speed bottling plant operations across a variety of areas, including liquid processing, packaging, distillation, procurement, and project management. Strong leadership and communication skills are critical for this role. The incumbent should be capable of innovative thinking and driven to maintain momentum and a healthy industrial climate. The ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects, tasks, and organizational needs in an environment that is always dynamic is a critical success factor. The Automation and Controls Engineer needs to be diverse enough to understand and track the needs of the business at the most economic cost and highest quality. The ideal candidate must be able to work in a multi-functional role to achieve business objectives with the technical, plant, finance, and procurement functions across the US, Canada, and US Virgin Islands. 

This position also requires a comprehensive understanding of automation and control systems for high-speed bottling, packaging, and processing operations. The ideal candidate must be proficient in designing, developing, and implementing automation and control systems to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety and quality. 

Purpose of Role: 

Responsible for supporting the execution and delivery of projects and strategic programs across the North American Region consisting of the US, Canada, and US Virgin Islands. Subject authority of automation and controls solutions related to bottling and processing equipment and applications.  Provide engineering support and project support to Manufacturing, Technical Operations, Brand Innovation, Brand Change, and Procurement organizations, with a strong emphasis on automation and controls. 

The Automation and Controls Engineer is accountable for evaluating engineering and technical solutions to support projects across the North American region. The role requires making technical recommendations for future projects related to automation and controls as well as supporting existing sites with solving issues and challenges with their existing  

The Automation and Controls Engineer will provide support, coaching, and technical expertise to the broader North American engineering team across the region. The role acts as a key support to the Manufacturing Technology Director and provides guidance to other project managers developing project scopes with strong automation components. This includes staying up to date on best in class practices and emerging technologies in packaging and processing automation to recommend improvements. 

Role Responsibilities:

·                 Lead the design, development, and implementation of automation and control systems for high-speed bottling, packaging, processing and material handling operations. 

·                 Provide engineering support for the execution and delivery of automation and controls projects across the North American region, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and performance standards. 

·                 Evaluate and select automation and control solutions to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety and quality. 

·                 Collaborate with multi-functional teams, including technical, plant, finance, and procurement, to support and implement business objectives related to automation and controls. 

·                 Stay abreast of best in class practices and emerging manufacturing technologies related to packaging and processing automation and recommend improvements.

Key Outputs: 

·                 Work multi-functionally with project management to develop and manage project scopes, budgets, and schedules. 

·                 Provide troubleshooting support to facilities on various automation systems and work directly with vendors to resolve issues. 

·                 Provide support  

·                 Identify areas for improvement in line efficiencies, safety, quality, cost, and personnel. 

·                 Provide guidance and support to site engineering regarding design concepts, specifications, and requirements for automation and controls systems. 

·                 Support the creation of engineering standards and practices specific to automation and controls. 

·                 Support the roll out of digitization solutions like MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and DCS solutions. 

·                 Conduct feasibility and costing studies for proposed automation projects. 

Experience / skills required:

·                 Four-year degree in an engineering core field is required; ME, EE, CE, or TE degree preferred. 

·                 Minimum of 3 – 5 years of experience in technical, production, or engineering roles, preferably in consumer products manufacturing and packaging. Experience in distillation or a related field is a plus. 

·                 2+ years of experiences with programming Motor controls and VFDs

·                 2+ years of experience with Robotics system components and controls

·                 2+ years of experience with PLC programs and ladder logic

·                 Well-rounded engineering and technical expertise. 

·                 Ability to lead multiple work streams while meeting target dates. 

·                 Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. 

·                 Experience with SAP systems is beneficial. 

·                 Strong leadership and management background. 

·                 Strong working knowledge of controls and robotic technology. 

·                 Experience working with equipment integrators is desirable. 

·                 Travel required up to 60% of the time, depending on project maturity and workload. 

Salary Range:

Minimum Salary:

Maximum Salary:

At Diageo certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, including annual incentive payment and stock awards. US-based employees are eligible for healthcare benefits, retirement benefits , short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellness benefits and industry leading parental leave, among others.  (Benefits/perks listed may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Diageo and the country where you work.)  The salary range displayed is the salary range for the role’s primary location.