Automation Specialist (Danville)

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Learn more: jti.com

Please apply till May 31st, 2026, COB

Automation Specialist

What this position is about

• Responsible for performing maintenance, configuration, programming, and adjustments on the automation network for equipment and machinery within the tobacco processing and buying station areas, while evaluating machine operating conditions and performance to ensure high availability and operational safety.
• Additionally, serves as a technical reference to support monitoring and inspection processes for equipment, components, and electrical infrastructure; conducts thermographic inspections of electrical panel components and applies specialized knowledge to specific electrical maintenance and automation activities (such as the programming of frequency inverters and electric strapping machines).
• Contributes to the development of new technologies and industrial automation systems with the aim of enhancing business KPI performance.
• Promotes a culture of technological innovation within the manufacturing environment, engaging both operations and maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

• Industrial Electrical Automation
  • Design screens for HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces) and SCADA systems.
  • Specify hardware for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), program them, configure networks, commission machinery, and perform plant start-ups.
  • Perform field work involving electrical panels and motor starters.
  • Install and maintain industrial networks (such as Ethernet).
  • Configure parameters for frequency inverters, soft starters, transmitters, relays, multi-meters, sensors, etc..
  • Conduct functionality tests and prepare technical reports.
  • Execute inspections and perform preventive and corrective maintenance—documenting technical information and checklists in accordance with established standards and applicable legal requirements—during both the harvest and off-season periods, in order to maximize the efficiency of industrial processing equipment and the plant's automation infrastructure.

• Technical Reference
  • Support monitoring and inspection processes for equipment, components, and electrical infrastructure.
  • Support thermography plans for electrical panel components, leveraging specialized knowledge in specific electrical maintenance and automation activities—such as the programming of frequency inverters and electric strapping machines.

• New Technologies
  • Support the development of improvement projects involving new technologies and industrial automation, measurement, and control systems.
  • Support the implementation of automation systems (PLCs, supervisory software, MES) and their integration with discrete and analogy elements.
  • Identify variables involved in the production process; determine measurement and process control points; specify instruments for measurement and control systems; and evaluate the performance of measurement and control systems.

• Improvement of Automation & Industrial Electrical Processes
  • Support the critical analysis of industrial automation and electrical processes, driving necessary improvements to the maintenance plan to ensure the reliability, availability, and maintainability of machinery and equipment.
  • Support root cause analyses related to industrial automation and electrical systems, aiming to eliminate recurring failures in the machinery and equipment within production processes.
  • Contribute to the development of new industrial automation technologies and systems in order to enhance the performance of key business KPIs.

• EHS - Safety
  • Perform activities in accordance with established risk analyses and assessments of environmental aspects and impacts, adhering to all designated control measures, and report any new risks or waste generated.
  • Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Collective Protective Equipment (CPE); complete work permits for high-risk activities; comply with safety regulations; inspect the condition of equipment and tools; maintain workplace order and cleanliness; identify maintenance requirements; ensure lifting equipment is kept in proper working condition; operate lifting equipment in accordance with applicable standards and procedures; assess the quality of PPE and CPE; administer first aid in accordance with established procedures and training protocols; propose solutions to eliminate safety hazards; and conduct and document preventive safety dialogues aimed at achieving a goal of zero workplace accidents and reducing environmental impact. Adhere to the safety procedures defined by the company and encourage colleagues to do the same.

• Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Liaise with support functions to drive continuous improvement in KPIs.
  • Collaborate with the Engineering department to develop project proposals aimed at enhancing the automation of processing activities, as well as to conduct technical and economic feasibility analyses for these projects.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of factory projects, focused on new technologies, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic plan; ensure that project implementation adheres to internal project management practices, and verify that project results and deliverables align with the established plan (scope, costs, quality, and schedule).
  • Develop and promote the sharing of automation best practices across the various teams within the Leaf Processing area, thereby fostering a culture of technological innovation within the manufacturing environment.

• Programs
  • Quality: Perform activities in accordance with existing standard procedures, documenting control items and checklists in compliance with the Quality Management System.
  • Continuous Improvement: Contribute technical information for root cause analysis and problem resolution.
  • Innovation: Suggest actions for the continuous improvement of machinery and equipment, processes, and performance indicators.
  • 5S3R: Apply the concepts of the program.
  • Best Practices: Document and provide training on successful standards, ensuring consistency of actions among maintenance team members.
  • WCM: Perform activities in adherence to World Class Maintenance standards.
  • Development: Take responsibility for your own professional development, seeking regular feedback from management and keeping your information—including achievements and career aspirations—up to date on the "My Talent Journey" portal.

Who we are looking for – Requirements

• Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related fields.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial automation and electrical systems, preferably in manufacturing or tobacco processing environments.
• Strong knowledge of control panels, substations, motors, inverters, industrial networks, Ladder Logic, RSLogix 5000, FactoryTalk View SCADA, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and MS Project, with good knowledge of computer hardware, software, and Ethernet networks.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive mindset focused on continuous improvement and preventive/corrective maintenance.
• Familiarity with LEAN, TPM, WCM, and quality/problem-solving methodologies such as 5W2H and Root Cause Analysis.

At JTI we care for our people's well-being. In addition to the salary, you can enjoy the following benefits

• Annual Performance-based Bonus
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Personal Development Programs
• Medical, Dental & Vision Plan for employees & family members
• Life insurance
• Matching 401(K)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Family Leave (20 weeks)
• Education/Tuition Assistance
• Volunteering Activities
• Employee Assistance Program (counselling, for employees & family members)

Are you ready to join us? Build your success story at JTI. Apply now!

Next Steps:

After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with Talent Advisor > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.

At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support, alternative formats, or have other access requirements, please let us know.