Senior Process Automation Engineer

A Senior Process Automation Engineer acts as a key member of the automation engineering team supporting Service Project upgrades within the Liquid and Powder Technologies Division of North America. The individual designs, tests, and commissions industrial process automation systems. The engineer will take a lead role and be able to work independently on their portion of the project. Projects may be comprised of different technologies consisting of Food, Dairy, Beverage, Brewery, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and New Food business units.

Responsibilities / Tasks

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Support sales to drive the automation upgrade and digital service products business.
• Participate in the sales phase of projects including customer meetings, pre-sales support, cost estimation, and proposal generation.
• Generates detailed process Functional Descriptions (FDs) from general process descriptions.
• Coordinates with the product departments to ensure the programming meets requirements.
• Coordinates with Automation Team to ensure quality compliance with the Process Automation standards and implements those concepts into the automation systems.
• Participates in software design by applying knowledge of computer programs, systems, and networks.
• Conduct testing of software applications by performing software simulations on applicable hardware platforms or emulators.
• Completes projects by commissioning instrumentation, electrical, and control systems at customer sites.
• Prepares documentation identifying and describing equipment operating characteristics.
• Collaborates on the design of electrical control panels and automation systems with electrical designers by applying knowledge of electricity, materials, and instrumentation/control equipment.
• Incorporates specifications and requirements into electrical system design and create requisitions for equipment accordingly.
• Coordinates automation design requirements with process engineers to ensure compliance to customer requirements.
• Assures electrical engineering quality by assisting in electrical testing with finished products and systems in-house and at customer sites.
• Coordinates and inspects the activity of electricians performing system wiring both in-house (skid systems) and at customer sites.
• Contributes to team effort by assisting others with their projects and completing non-project related tasks as assigned.
• Adheres to design standards and optimization of engineering designs to meet customer specifications within project budgets.
• Responsible for documenting and keeping accurate records of automation customer meetings, discussions and correspondence as well as maintaining well-organized technical files for project document control - i.e., generating outgoing deliverables, document transmittals, version control, tracking incoming customer approvals and filing.
• Supports close out of automation punch-list items during commissioning phase of projects.
• Performs input/output (I/O) checkout of installed equipment on site.
• Assists with maintenance and operator training at customer sites during project start up.
• Responsible for completion of engineering and commissioning tasks for projects according to GEA standards, customer specifications and applicable regulations.
• Utilizes the tools and documentation defined by the GEA standards through all phases of the project.
• Provides detailed information to the project manager to facilitate planning and execution of the project including risk identification and mitigation, work breakdown structures and activity lists.
• Works with cross functional teams to complete project deliverables, determine customer needs and ensure the applicability of designs and solutions.
• Provides technical support to resolve customer problems related to equipment/system performance and process trouble shooting.
• Assist in planning and implementation of tasks such as test procedures, installation RFQ and site support, commissioning plans and site acceptance based on contractual requirements.
• Actively supports the Department/Project Manager in identification and justification of scope changes and assists in preparation of subsequent cost/schedule impact estimates and change orders to be submitted to the customer.
• Create request for quotations documents and assist Procurement in vendor technical bid evaluation, vendor selection and management.
• Support service organization efforts as required.
• Adheres to GEA Environmental Health and Safety policies in addition to OSHA regulations.
• Assists in the preparation of O&M manuals and Spare Parts List.
• Manage the automation and electrical engineers assigned to the project.
• Monitor tasks assigned to team members to ensure deadlines are met with top quality results.
• Responsible for continual evaluation of the projects to bring forward methods to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Act as Automation Lead on all assigned projects, unless a separate lead is identified.
• Supports the Department/Project Manager in developing project plans, cost estimates and execution plans relating to automation.
• May be required to make technical and/or project progress presentations to management and/or customers.
• Responsible for generating schedules to accomplish the project/program milestones.
• Timely in responses and actions to other duties as assigned.

Your Profile / Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and work well in a team setting as well as independently.
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Able to be self-motivated, take initiative, be decisive, and have commercial / business acumen.
• Admirable sales and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop strong leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate tasks when appropriate.
• Ability to work independently on majority of assigned tasks.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Automation, or Instrumentation Engineering or similar related degree.
• Typically, 5+ years' experience with similar responsibilities.
• Previous experience with Rockwell Automation hardware and software required.
• Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time.

Working at GEA Group has significant benefits:

• 12 Paid Holidays
• PTO - Paid Time Off
• Medical Plans
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings and Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401k with excellent employer match
• Wellness Incentive Program
• Employee Assistance Program

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GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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