AUTOMATION SPECIALIST

Automation Specialist

Gretna, LA, US, 70053

McCormick & Company, Inc. is a global leader in the spice, flavor, and seasonings industry. Zatarain's, a leader in New Orleans cuisine - owned by McCormick - is seeking a full-time Automation Technician reporting to the Engineering & Maintenance Manager. This role will work in Zatarain's Plant, located at 82 1st Street, Gretna, Louisiana. McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor with approximately 14,000 employees worldwide. With over $6 billion in annual sales across 160 countries and territories, we manufacture, market, and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the entire food industry including e-commerce, retail, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Our most popular brands include McCormick, French's, Frank's RedHot, Stubb's, OLD BAY, Lawry's, Zatarain's, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane, and Gourmet Garden. Every day, no matter where or what you eat or drink, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. Our Purpose is "To Stand Together for the Future of Flavor and our Vision is "A World United by Flavor—where healthy, sustainable and delicious go hand in hand." As a company recognized for its exceptional commitment to employees, McCormick offers a wide variety of benefits, programs, and services. Benefits include, but are not limited to, tuition assistance, medical, dental, vision, disability, group life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid holidays, and vacations.

Position Overview

The Automation Specialist will be responsible for maintaining, programming and repairing automated machinery, robotics and PLC-controlled systems to ensure efficient operations. This person will utilize various systems to monitor the performance and efficiency of this technology in the plant. The specialist will diagnose electrical/mechanical malfunctions, perform preventative maintenance, and optimize equipment performance. This role requires strong troubleshooting skills, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic knowledge and a technical degree or relevant experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose and fix malfunctions in automated production lines, robotics, and control components.
• Program, configure and troubleshoot PLC often using Allen-Bradley or other similar systems.
• Perform preventative and routine maintenance on electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with engineers to install new equipment, test systems and implement improvements to enhance efficiency.
• Maintain accurate logs of maintenance activities, parts replacements and systems changes.
• Adhere to OSHA and company safety procedures and processes including LOTO and Machine Guarding, when repairing machinery.
• Be able to document, analyze and quantify machine-related reasons for work stoppage.

Secondary Responsibilities

This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports. However, this position may be required to train other maintenance and/or engineering department team members on systems, processes or procedures.

Required Qualifications

Level of Education and Discipline Technical diploma, vocational training, specialized certificates or associate degree in mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or electronics; equivalent combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.

Certification and/or Licenses This position may be required to obtain additional certifications to perform tasks including material handling, OSHA certifications, and/or electrical certifications as needed for successful completion of the job.

Experience - functional/industry/commercial knowledge, business acumen Previous experience with robotics, Allen-Bradley/Siemens PLCs, and manufacturing processes. Ability to analyze issues quickly to reduce machine downtime. Proficiency in reading electrical schematics, blueprints, and using diagnostic tools like multimeters.

Interpersonal Skills - leadership, interactions, communication, influence Strong communication skills via verbal and written, ability to provide detailed updates as needed

Communication Skills Proven ability to multi-task

Other Skills and HPO Competencies Basic MS Office knowledge (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Ability to work overtime as business needs dictate sometimes with short notice

Preferred Qualifications Interpersonal Skills - leadership, interactions, communication, influence Must have a Self-directed approach to their job responsibilities; broad latitude of independent judgement required

Dimensions Describe how the job impacts the business, level of accountability (individual/team results), if it provides advice or counsel, contributes/sets policy or strategy? Please provide statistics to describe the impact, such as budgets, revenue, volume, headcount, or other resources. Describe the breadth of the job's impact to the business. Individual, Team, Area, Sub function, Function, Business? Describe the level of complexity and decision making related to the role. Indicate if accountability is shared with other positions.

Drives business impact by increasing productivity, lower operational cost, decrease production downtime and eliminate human error.

Work Environment Fast-paced, industrial, manufacturing environment," "noise levels can be loud," "exposed to moderate temperature variations," "exposure to fumes, dust, and odors," and "must wear required PPE (safety shoes, glasses, hearing protection Requires lifting up to 50lbs. frequently, stand for up to 8-10 hour shifts," "constant standing, walking, bending, and kneeling," and "manual dexterity for precise machine operation

McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. As a general policy, McCormick does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future.