Automation & Controls Engineer

PURPOSE

The Automation & Controls Engineer is responsible for the development, implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automation and process-control systems within a 24/7 glass manufacturing environment. The position provides technical engineering support to improve equipment reliability, safety, product quality, process stability, production efficiency, yield, and operating cost.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, including Rockwell/Allen-Bradley and/or Modicon platforms.
• Troubleshoot automation, electrical controls, VFDs, instrumentation, and related process-control systems.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and equipment performance and develop engineering solutions that improve reliability, quality, yield, safety, and productivity.
• Integrate new equipment and automation technologies with existing plant systems.
• Lead or support installation, testing, commissioning, and debugging of new and modified equipment.
• Develop control strategies and programming changes necessary to support production and process improvements.
• Provide technical support for complex equipment and controls issues throughout the plant.
• Develop equipment specifications and work with vendors, contractors, and Corporate Engineering on equipment design and implementation.
• Lead and/or support assigned capital and process-improvement projects.
• Develop technical documentation and provide training to Maintenance, Operations, Shift Managers, and other plant personnel.
• Identify and implement automation technology and industry best practices that support stable, efficient operations.
• Support plant safety, environmental, quality, housekeeping, and continuous-improvement requirements.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision to the plant's instrumentation technicians.
• Provide on-call in-person technical support as needed to support the plant's 24/7 manufacturing operation, including responding to critical equipment, automation, instrumentation and controls issues outside the normal working hours when necessary.

DECISION-MAKING / TECHNICAL AUTHORITY

• Modify existing control programs to accommodate approved operational and process needs.
• Recommend and implement controls and automation improvements within assigned project scope.
• Integrate approved new equipment with plant control and information systems.
• Analyze process performance and recommend engineering improvements.
• Interact with outside vendors, contractors, and Corporate Engineering.
• Develop technical specifications for process-improvement equipment and controls.
• Provide technical direction and training to plant.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Frequent interaction with Shift Managers, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Plant Engineering, and other technical personnel. The position also works with outside vendors, contractors, and Corporate Engineering to support production equipment, controls systems, and improvement projects.

1. PERFORMANCE FOCUS

• Equipment reliability and reduction of equipment-related production loss.
• Completion of system and process-improvement projects.
• Production yield, quality, and process stability.
• Safety performance and compliance with plant safety standards.
• Efficient use of labor, equipment, and operating resources.
• Continuous improvement, standardization, and knowledge transfer.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a 24/7 glass manufacturing environment. Exposure may include dust, moving vehicles, heavy equipment, moving machinery, chemicals, high-temperature materials, broken and breaking glass, overhead cranes, confined or limited spaces, high noise levels, and a full range of ambient temperatures. The position also performs office-based work. After-hours, weekend, and on-call technical support may be required based on plant operating needs. Limited travel may be required.

**This position requires the ability to provide on-call support and report to the facility in person when operational or technical needs require on-site assistance. After-hours, weekend, and holiday support may be required based on plant operating needs.**

EDUCATION, TRAINING & POSITION EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Two to five years of controls, automation, process-control, or manufacturing engineering experience preferred.
• Manufacturing or heavy industrial experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience programming and troubleshooting industrial PLC systems.
• Experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley and/or Modicon platforms preferred.
• Experience with VFDs, industrial instrumentation, process-control systems, and automated manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project-management skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, and sit as required throughout the workday.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of items generally under 20 pounds.
• Ability to push, pull, climb, balance, bend, twist, reach, and handle equipment as needed to access and evaluate plant systems.
• Ability to safely operate in and around industrial equipment and limited spaces.
• Ability to hear, communicate, observe, and respond to normal and emergency conditions in the manufacturing environment.
• Visual acuity, depth perception, and color vision sufficient to safely perform assigned technical duties.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary Range: $99,000 - $136,000 annually

The salary range represents the good-faith estimate of the compensation Vitro reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, education, skills, qualifications, and other job-related considerations.

Vitro offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including:

• 13 paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life and disability benefits
• Employee recognition programs
• Safety recognition program
• On-site employee gym
• Company-provided required PPE
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Career growth opportunities within a global manufacturing organization

Vitro is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or creed, sex, gender, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Vitro also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.