Industrial Automation Engineer

Industrial Automation EngineerSmurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.The Industrial Automation Engineer is responsible for the reliability, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automation and electrical control systems throughout a corrugated box manufacturing facility. This role serves as the technical lead for PLCs, motor drives, HMIs, industrial networks, sensors, and machine control systems supporting corrugators, converting equipment, material handling systems, plant utilities and auxiliary support equipment.The successful candidate will drive equipment uptime, improve operational performance, support maintenance and production teams, and lead automation-related capital and continuous improvement projects while ensuring compliance with all safety and electrical standards.ResponsibilitiesElectrical Controls & TroubleshootingProvide expert-level troubleshooting and repair of electrical control systems on a BHS corrugator, MHI high Speed EVOL Flexo Folder Gluers, BWP Flexo Folder Gluer, Gopfert Jumbo Flexo Folder Gluer, BOBST high yield Rotary Diecutters, Robotic systems, state of the art automated conveying equipment and auxiliary support systems.Diagnose and resolve complex machine downtime issues involving PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo drives, robotic systems, motion control systems, sensors, and industrial communications.Analyze root causes of recurring electrical and automation failures and implement corrective actions.Support emergency breakdown response and critical production machine recovery efforts.PLC & Automation SystemsDevelop, modify, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC programs.Support systems utilizing current Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or other industrial control platforms.Maintain and improve HMI and SCADA applications.Configure and troubleshoot Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profinet, and other industrial communications networks.Maintain automation documentation, control narratives, and system backups.Motor Drives & Motion ControlTroubleshoot and optimize AC/DC motor drives, servo systems, and motion controls.Support startup, tuning, and commissioning of VFDs and servo drive systems.Analyze motor performance issues and coordinate corrective actions.Improve machine performance through optimization of drive parameters and control strategies.Reliability & Continuous ImprovementLead initiatives to improve machine reliability, reduce downtime, and increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).Utilize predictive and preventive maintenance methodologies for electrical and control systems.Perform failure analysis and develop reliability-centered maintenance strategies.Collaborate with operations teams to identify opportunities for automation improvements and process optimization.Safety & ComplianceEnsure compliance with OSHA regulations, NFPA 70E, and plant electrical safety standards.Participate in Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) development and compliance activities.Support machine risk assessments and safety system validations.Maintain compliance with company environmental, health, and safety requirements.Training & LeadershipMentor maintenance technicians and controls specialists.Provide training on PLC troubleshooting, electrical systems, drives, and control technologies.Serve as the plant's primary technical expert for automation systems.Support cross-functional teams in achieving operational excellence objectives.QualificationsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related technical field, with a minimum 7+ years of experience supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.OrAssociate's degree in electrical engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related technical field, with a minimum 10+ years of experience supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.Strong troubleshooting experience with:PLC systems (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Siemens S7 classis and TIA Portal)Variable Frequency Drives (PowerFlex, ABB, Siemens, Danfoss, Nord, etc.)Servo drives and motion control systemsIndustrial HMIs and SCADA systemsElectrical control panels and power distribution systemsExperience reading and interpreting:Electrical schematicsControl drawingsP&IDsEquipment manuals and technical documentationKnowledge of industrial networking and communications protocols.Strong understanding of electrical safety standards and practices.Preferred ExperienceExperience within corrugated packaging, paper converting, paper mills, or high-speed manufacturing operations.Experience with:A modern BHS, Fosber, or MarquipWardUnited corrugator systemsHigh Speed Flexo Folder Gluers (FFG)High Yield Rotary die cuttersRobot integrationVision systemsAutomated Conveyor SystemsCondition monitoring technologiesElectrical Project Design & ManagementPLC Programming & TroubleshootingHMI DevelopmentIndustrial NetworkingMotion Control SystemsVariable Frequency DrivesServo SystemsElectrical Controls DesignRoot Cause AnalysisReliability EngineeringAutomated Material Handling SystemsProcess OptimizationData Collection & Performance AnalyticsAbility to stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, work from elevated platforms, and access mechanical or electrical equipment areas as needed.Ability to lift and carry tools, parts, and equipment as required by the job.May be exposed to manufacturing, corrugator, warehouse, electrical room, and industrial production environments.Must be able to work safely around electrical equipment, moving machinery, and varying temperatures.May require overtime, weekend work, or on-call response to support facility operations.Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.