Automation Engineer

About Kerry

About the role

We are now recruiting for a Process Automation Engineer at our facility in Harrisonburg, VA. In this strategically important role, the successful candidate will be focused on driving process improvement and sustainability through the delivery of a best in class Automation environment. 

Key responsibilities

Troubleshoot, fix / repair and support existing automation equipment, electrical control panels and communication protocols (e.g. ethernet, device net, Profibus and Modbus).

Identify opportunities and carry out feasibility studies for project automation within existing processes and projects.

Automation System Design Design, develop, and implement electrical automation systems and controls for industrial processes, machinery, and manufacturing equipment.

Designing SCADA/DCS system, architecture finalization, preparing I/O list, selecting communication protocol.

PLC Programming Develop and maintain PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programs to automate and control processes efficiently. Troubleshoot PLC-related issues.

Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development Design and create user-friendly HMI interfaces for operators to monitor and control automation systems. Should be able to manage Scada Servers, HMIs and SCADA database, knowledge of Wonderware-InTouch will be added advantage.

Sensor Integration Select, install, and calibrate various sensors, transducers, and instruments to gather data and provide feedback for control systems.

Networking and Communication Establish communication protocols between different devices, controllers, and systems, including Ethernet, Modbus, OPC, RS232, RS-485 and Profibus.

Preparing the calibration schedule for various instruments like Thermocouple, Pressure transducers, Flow meters

Update documentation, drawings for all automation-related equipment

Qualifications and skills

Degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Communication or in Instrumentation and Control.

3+ years’ experience in process automation within an industrial or manufacturing environment. Dairy or food manufacturing and / or spray drying experience is highly desirable.

Proficiency in SCADA, PLC & HMI programming tools and software (e.g., Wonderware Archestra, Schneider, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, ABB).

Set-up of new Scada and management of Scada Instrumentation

Experience with industrial communication protocols.

and networking (e.g. firewall, ethernet switches, LIU, FO cables, communication cables and other network equipment)

Familiarity with industrial sensors, actuators, and control devices including motor control using starters and VFD.

Strong understanding of electrical and control system design principles.

Excellent project management, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Effective communication skills with the ability to interact with clients, vendors, contractors etc. to understand requirements and deliver the project.

The typical hiring range for this role is $70,100 to $122,000 annually and is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, location, etc. In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.