Sr. Specialist, Automation

Job Description

The Automation Senior Specialist will support startup, commissioning, and qualification on capital projects in support of our company's Animal Health Intelligence North American Facilities. Responsibilities include system upgrades, troubleshooting issues, identifying trends, process monitoring, system administration, documentation updates, data querying, operator training, day to day operations support. The Automation Senior Specialist will work closely with engineers, equipment suppliers, automation engineers, commissioning & qualification, and operations globally to provide automation technical support for project delivery. This position receives direction from the Director of Strategic Planning, interfaces directly across all functional areas and interacts daily with senior leadership.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluates automated and information technology systems and develops strategies to optimize and ensure quality and stability of automation systems through future expansion, replacement, or upgrade.

• Coordinates projects with staff group for timely implementation.

• Uses technical knowledge to assure the efficient operation of variety of automated processing and information technology systems.  Leads in installing and placing new equipment into operations.  Develops solutions for automation problems. 

• Participates in audits and training programs in the area of responsibility.

• Project coordination leadership and implementation of troubleshooting activities and change control.

• Initiate and lead collaboration within the Operations, Quality and Technical organizations to resolve complex problems.

• On-floor support of manufacturing activities.

• Identify and implement process/equipment improvements and manufacturing efficiencies.

• Serves as liaison with corporate and divisional automation and IT groups.

• Develop PLC and HMI code for new and in support of existing equipment.

• Configure / setup VFDs.

• Configure sub-net addressing.

• Work with internal customers to develop User Requirement Specifications for equipment and process systems.

• Support execution of Commissioning and Qualification Activities.

• Develop and deliver training for automated systems.

• Develop and update relevant SOPs to support project deliverables.

• Develop Job Safety Assessments as required.

• Attend and execute Equipment Vendor Factory Acceptance Testing and Site Acceptance Testing.

• Oversee contractors and consultants to deliver projects as agreed with customer groups.

• Develop User Requirement Specifications (URS), Functional Requirement Specifications (FRS), and Detailed Design Specifications (DDS) for small projects.

• Review and approve URS, FRS, and DDS specifications developed by outside providers.

• Participate and contribute to investigations of automation anomalies to prevent a recurrence, which includes on-the-floor support of manufacturing activities.

• Lead in the development of technical requirements, keeping in mind the associated technology needs, benefits, and risks.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Key Competencies:

• Ability to work with all levels of business customers in a highly dynamic environment.

• Comfortable with working closely across various teams including functional and procurement leadership teams.

• Willingness and ability to work flexible working hours.

Physical

• Ability to use various handheld measuring devices.

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for up to 8 hours or more per day.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. on a limited basis.

• Climb stairs and ladders to access equipment components.

• Ability to work at a computer to accomplish requirements above.

• Capable of working in unconditioned spaces at times.

Qualifications:

Education Minimum Requirements

• B.S., B.A., or greater preferably in Engineering, Science, or Information Technology

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 7-10 yrs of experience in process automation in a manufacturing environment

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills; experience leading a team.

• Ability to travel is required (30% or less).

• Time Management: Ability to manage changing workload, and complete tasks indep