Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer II

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world. Nestled in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, our Tipton facility manufactures a diverse range of products, including milk powder, butter, nutritional powders, and processed fluids. We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California!

Our commitment to CDI employees:

We believe in valuing our team with a total rewards package that goes beyond the basics. You'll find we offer competitive pay and incentive programs designed to recognize and reward your contributions. Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous paid time off, sick days & holidays, retirement plans designed to secure your future. We don't stop there. We've also cultivated a variety of valuable programs focused on your personal well-being and professional growth, ensuring you have the support you need to both inside and outside of work.

Job Summary

The Automation Engineer II plays a critical role in ensuring the continuous operation, optimization, and reliability of our manufacturing processes. In this mid-level role, you will take ownership of automation systems, independently execute technical projects, and drive process improvements across the plant. You will act as a key technical resource, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and mentoring junior engineering and technical staff.

Essential Functions

• Independently troubleshoot and resolve complex automation problems
• Design, implement, and modify PLC and HMI programs
• Lead small to mid-scale automation projects from concept to commissioning
• Coordinate inter- and intradepartmental operations by collaborating closely with maintenance, production, and OEM partners. Develop, maintain, and enforce automation standards and documentation while building a knowledge base to streamline issue resolution and support future operations. Mentor Automation Engineer I staff and technicians
• Support multiple facilities as needed
• Support production teams during minor equipment issues and escalate complex problems to senior engineers.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency by evaluating automation use and identifying performance improvement opportunities. Travel occasionally to other facilities with senior staff for training, installation, or support activities.
• Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. "Food Safety and Quality" are the responsibilities of this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• • Strong proficiency in:
  • PLC programming (AB, Siemens, or equivalent)
  • HMI development and field devices
  • VFDs, servos, motion control basics
  • Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, etc.)
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics
• Solid troubleshooting methodology under production pressure.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude with strong problem-solving skills.

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum of 3 or more years of in depth project experience in automation, controls, manufacturing, or maintenance.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; a combination of education and professional experience may be considered.
• Background in manufacturing or plant settings is highly desirable

Language Skills

English is required as the written and spoken language.

Driving Requirements

Must possess or be able to acquire a state issued Driver's License.

Equipment

Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and industrial environments with exposure to temperature variations, moving equipment, noise, and industrial chemicals.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with ADA and FEHA guidelines.

ADA/FEHA

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Physical Demands

• Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks and sits during completion of job responsibilities.
• Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing or pulling requirements.
• Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping requirements.
• Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Occasional kneeling or crawling requirements.
• Twisting/Turning: Ongoing twisting or turning requirements.
• Climbing/Balancing: Climbing and balancing is required during plant inspections and other related job requirements.
• Reaching: Ongoing reaching requirements associated with job requirements.
• Grasping/Manipulating: Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required. The ability to keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.

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The pay range is listed below and represents a good faith estimate upon hire. The final offer will depend on factors such as the candidates experience, skills, and qualifications.