Automations Engineer

As part of our cross-functional engineering team, you will contribute to both mechanical and electrical systems as well as develop and integrate AI-enabled systems, bridging the gap between traditional process engineering and smart automation technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design, modeling, and prototyping of process and packaging systems.
• Support testing, assembly, and commissioning of prototypes under supervision.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and process flow diagrams.
• Specify, install, and troubleshoot sensors, actuators, and instrumentation for food manufacturing systems.
• Participate in wiring, panel layout, and field testing activities.
• Support integration, programming, and troubleshooting of PLC/HMI and SCADA systems.
• Contribute to coding and testing of automation or AI-driven routines (predictive maintenance, data monitoring, optimization).
• Assist with sensor data collection, labeling, and preprocessing for machine learning models.
• Work on projects using Python, C++, or similar to interface with hardware systems.
• Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, wiring diagrams, and engineering logs.
• Ensure safe and organized work areas in labs and on production floors.
• Participate in system commissioning and troubleshooting at customer sites when required.
• Uphold SQF requirements including promotion of a strong & positive food safety culture
• Active involvement in implementation, upkeep and continuous improvement of food safety as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Stewardship for our B-corp mission to promote worldwide health and wellness by fostering the delivery of high quality, healthy foods through sustainable methods.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to develop and test automated food manufacturing equipment
• Machine learning integration in industrial environments
• Industry codes, standards, and best practices (UL, CE, ISA, etc.)
• Real-world project execution from concept to commissioning
• Microwave and other electrical thermal processing technologies

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering field (or graduation within 6 months).
• Introductory experience or coursework in: ○ CAD (SolidWorks or AutoCAD) ○ Programming (Studio 5000, Python, C++, or MATLAB) ○ Instrumentation and control systems
• Controls integration with field devices (sensors, VFDs, flow meters, actuators).
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA).
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical/automation systems in a production environment.
• Hands-on mindset; comfortable using tools and learning in the field.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn from a multidisciplinary team.
• Active passport or ability to obtain one within the first 6 months.

Preferred (but not required):

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in automation, instrumentation, or controls engineering.
• Familiarity with SCADA/HMI systems (Ignition, Wonderware, or WinCC).
• Experience with data collection and integration from PLC/SCADA systems into historians, MES, or cloud platforms.
• Working knowledge of machine learning concepts and data analytics (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit- learn, SQL).
• Practical applications of ML in industrial settings (predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, process optimization).
• Experience developing middleware or APIs to connect automation platforms with data pipelines.
• Prior internships, capstone projects, or personal projects involving automation, robotics, or controls.
• Basic electronics experience (soldering, sensor setup, instrumentation wiring).
• Knowledge of OSHA safety standards and industrial safety practices.
• Experience in food & beverage or other regulated manufacturing environments is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work on the floor in a manufacturing setting; frequent walking and standing required.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, or wet environments.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Flexibility to alternate between hands-on manufacturing work and office-based programming/data analysis.
• Comfortable working in environments with shifting priorities and ambiguity.