Automation Engineer

Job Details

Shifts: day & some nights/weekends

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Position Overview: The Automation Controls Engineer is responsible for ensuring equipment operates efficiently, meeting all safety and quality standards critical to beverage production.

Language Skills: English proficiency required.  Spanish is a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Amount of Travel Involved: None.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Follow all safety procedures and work as safe as possible at all times. 
• Works with the plant on a daily basis resolving issues by providing technical support to the maintenance department to expedite repairs on challenging breakdowns or tasks. 
• Frequent installation and troubleshooting of electrical & electronic systems, level detectors, valves and other devices. 
• Modifies programming of PLCs and related equipment such as controllers and programmable controllers, VFD’s and other electrical / electronic control systems and equipment network systems. 
• Confers with management, engineering, and quality control personnel to resolve maintenance problems and recommend measures to improve operations and conditions of machines and equipment 
• Diagnose, repair, and maintain programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and other automation systems;
• Respond to equipment malfunctions to minimize downtime and maintain production schedules;
• Program, calibrate, and optimize PLCs and related control systems to meet operational needs;
• Conduct regular updates and backups of control programs to ensure system integrity;
• Collaborate with engineering teams to upgrade existing systems or install new automation equipment;
• Ensure all control systems comply with food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, HACCP) and company standards;
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, and modifications in the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
• Support audits by providing documentation and ensuring compliance with food safety standards
• Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical and control systems
• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs
• Willingness to assist the production and maintenance teams with daily needs as required.
• Ability to troubleshoot and implement improvements to automate the production process.

Experience for Success:  

• Expertise in Allen-Bradley ladder logic (Studio 5000 and 500).
• Nice to have food or beverage experience.
• Strong wiring experience is a must.
• Ability to troubleshoot safety circuits.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints and schematics.
• Experience wiring components ranging from 24VDC to 480VAC.
• Ability to program VFD and Servo Drive parameters.
• Ability to design new and edit pre-built HMI programs (FactoryTalk View).
• Knowledge of SCADA systems is a plus.
• Ability to learn and work with platforms such as Red Lion, IFM, KEYENCE, SICK, Zenon, Endress+Hauser, PILZ, and AB.
• Siemens and TIA Portal experience is a plus.
• Some network experience is preferred.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or related field, preferred 
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience 
• Or, equivalent combination of education and experience 

Behaviors & Competencies:

• Upholds mental, spiritual and physical safety
• Asks for and provides feedback
• Holds self and others accountable
• Supportive and collaborative of team members
• Participates in self-development and encourages the development of those who report/to him or her and peers
• Demonstrates flexibility and desire for growth

Physical Demands: Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must have sufficient mobility to inspect construction projects in the field. 

Work Environment:  

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.   

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Employee generally works 50% indoors and 50% outdoors.  While performing the duties of this job outdoors, the employee occasionally works in varying weather conditions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts.  The employee is occasionally 

Manna Beverages is an equal opportunity employer-----M/F/D/V