Process Engineer

Process Engineer – Manufacturing Automation

The Process Engineer – Manufacturing Automation is responsible for developing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving automated manufacturing systems at FIBA Technologies. This position will serve as a technical resource for manufacturing equipment and automation, working with production, maintenance, engineering, and outside vendors to ensure systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. The role requires a strong understanding of how manufacturing automation systems are designed and integrated, with the ability to diagnose problems across controls, electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and process systems. The Process Engineer will also support the design and implementation of new automated processes and improvements to existing manufacturing processes. This position requires the candidate to physically be in the office, located in Littleton, MA.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve automation systems used in FIBA manufacturing operations.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose automation and process equipment problems to identify root causes and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Develop a detailed understanding of existing automated equipment, including controls, sensors, instrumentation, electrical systems, mechanical equipment, and process interfaces.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for automation system performance and reliability.
• Coordinate and manage outside automation vendors, system integrators, equipment manufacturers, electricians, and other technical contractors.
• Develop scopes of work and technical requirements for automation projects and equipment modifications.
• Review vendor proposals, designs, programming concepts, and equipment specifications to ensure they meet FIBA's operational requirements.
• Maintain appropriate documentation for automated systems, including drawings, programs, operating parameters, equipment specifications, and system changes.
• Identify recurring equipment problems and develop engineering solutions that improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Work directly with operators and maintenance personnel to understand equipment problems and improve usability and maintainability.
• Support commissioning, testing, startup, and troubleshooting of new or modified manufacturing equipment.
• Occasionally design automation systems or manufacturing processes for new equipment, new products, or improvements to existing processes.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual manufacturing activities where automation can improve safety, quality, productivity, or staffing requirements.
• Ensure automation improvements are designed with appropriate consideration for safety, reliability, maintainability, and production requirements.

Areas of Technical Responsibility

• PLC and industrial control systems
• HMI and operator interfaces
• Sensors and instrumentation
• Variable frequency drives and motor controls
• Industrial electrical and control systems
• Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
• Automated valves and process controls
• Data acquisition and manufacturing equipment monitoring
• Safety interlocks and machine control systems
• Robotic or automated material handling systems where applicable
• Integration between manufacturing equipment and supporting systems

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Candidates with substantial practical experience may be considered in lieu of an engineering degree.
• Minimum of five years of hands-on experience with industrial automation, manufacturing equipment, or process control systems, including troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment, industrial electrical systems, instrumentation, and integrated mechanical or hydraulic systems.
• Experience managing automation vendors, supporting equipment commissioning, and implementing manufacturing improvements is preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to understand electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, P&IDs, control logic, and equipment documentation.
• Working knowledge of PLC-based automation and industrial controls.
• Ability to manage outside vendors and translate manufacturing requirements into clear technical specifications.
• Strong hands-on problem-solving skills and willingness to work directly with manufacturing equipment and production personnel.
• Ability to manage projects from initial problem definition through design, installation, commissioning, and production support.

Measures of Success

• Success in this position will be measured by improved equipment reliability, reduced manufacturing downtime, faster resolution of automation problems, improved documentation and technical ownership of FIBA's automation systems, successful implementation of process improvements, and increased use of practical automation to improve manufacturing productivity.