Automation Engineer

Location: On-Site in Hugoton, KS Factory

About the Role

We are establishing a brand‑new dairy manufacturing facility in Hugoton, Kansas, producing processed milk, creamers, and cream cheeses across process, utilities, filling, and packaging operations. This is a greenfield opportunity to help build the automation function from the ground up.

As an Automation Engineer, you will be one of two automation specialists responsible for the site’s full automation and controls ecosystem. This is a hands‑on role with significant ownership, focused on fault finding, troubleshooting, and maintaining the reliability of all automation systems. You will program PLCs, manage SCADA and server infrastructure, and ensure stable production operations. You will work closely with a senior automation engineer and collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and global teams.

What You’ll Do

Fault Finding & Troubleshooting

• Serve as first‑line response for automation and controls issues across process, utilities, filling, and packaging.

• Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, and SCADA issues on Rockwell Automation platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FactoryTalk View, FactoryTalk Optix).

• Troubleshoot industrial networking issues (Ethernet/IP, TCP/IP, Profinet).

• Resolve issues within virtualization systems (Hyper‑V, VMware ESXi) and Windows Server environments.

• Maintain detailed fault logs, resolutions, and recurring‑issue documentation for continuous improvement.

Hands‑On Automation & Control Systems

• Program, configure, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems on the Rockwell Automation platform.

• Update and optimize control logic for pasteurization, separation, homogenization, batching, filling, CIP/SIP, and utilities.

• Manage system backups, version control (Rockwell AssetCentre), and documentation updates.

• Maintain and support Rockwell Automation infrastructure, including firmware management, licensing, and patching.

• Configure and support industrial network infrastructure.

• Manage virtualization hosts and Windows Server environments for automation applications.

Maintenance of Automation Assets

• Execute preventive maintenance activities on all automation and control system assets, including PLCs, HMI terminals, SCADA servers, network switches, and virtualization hosts.

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on automation assets, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA servers, switches, and virtualization hosts.

• Monitor automation hardware health and escalate end‑of‑life or performance‑degradation concerns.

• Maintain spare parts inventory for critical automation equipment.

Manufacturing Support

• Provide hands‑on support to operations and maintenance teams during production.

• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Management of Change (MOC) activities.

• Support commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment and lines.

• Ensure all automation changes adhere to site change‑control procedures.

Compliance & Safety

• Support compliance with regulatory and industry standards (FDA, PMO, OSHA, NFPA, 3‑A).

• Maintain safety interlocks, alarms, and emergency‑stop systems.

• Support food‑safety and quality initiatives, including batch control, traceability, and audit readiness.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Identify opportunities to increase system reliability and reduce downtime.

• Support digital‑transformation initiatives, including data historians and MES.

• Collaborate with global engineering and IT teams as needed.

• Continuously build automation and controls expertise through training and hands‑on experience.

About You

Required

• Tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, or a related technical discipline.

• 0–2 years of experience in automation, controls, or a related engineering role (internships and co-ops count).

• Foundational knowledge of PLC and HMI programming, preferably on the Rockwell Automation platform.

• Basic understanding of industrial networking protocols, including Ethernet/IP, TCP/IP, and Profinet.

• Familiarity with Windows Server environments and virtualization concepts (Hyper-V, VMware ESXi).

• Ability to read electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control system documentation.

• Strong troubleshooting aptitude and a methodical, persistent approach to fault finding.

• Interest in or exposure to dairy processing or food manufacturing environments.

Preferred

• Experience with Ignition SCADA platform (Inductive Automation).

• Exposure to MES platforms such as Sepasoft.

• Familiarity with Wonderware/AVEVA Historian or similar process data historians.

• Exposure to Rockwell AssetCentre for automation asset management.

• Knowledge of pasteurization controls, CIP/SIP automation, or PMO requirements.

Core Competencies

• Self-starter who takes ownership and works independently when needed.

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a hands-on mentality.

• Eagerness to learn and develop deep technical expertise.

• Excellent communication and teamwork.

• Attention to detail and commitment to food safety.

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Proactive and resourceful approach to problem-solving.

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We understand your resume might not be up to date and recommend that you apply with what you have or your LinkedIn Profile. Flora Food Group is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workplace, we understand that you might not meet all the requirements stated in the description, but we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this role or other roles. 

Flora Food Group is an employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and equal opportunities for all. We recruit based only on values, qualifications, performance, skills, behaviours, experience, and knowledge. We ensure job advertisements are free from unintentional bias.

No personal characteristics should be a barrier to joining Flora Food Group. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other personal characteristics.