Sr. Automation Engineer (Auto III) in Tampa, Florida at Krones Process Group North America LLC

Krones Process Group North America (KPGNA) is a company specializing in process engineering and control system integration, employing Chemical, Mechanical, and Electrical engineers. We focus on providing automated process system solutions tailored for the food, beverage, and dairy sectors, offering custom designs and professional services aimed at optimizing manufacturing operations.

KPGNA operates as a subsidiary of Krones AG, a global entity with a workforce exceeding 16,000 employees worldwide. We are currently looking for an Automation & Controls Engineer to become part of our expanding team.

This position necessitates excellent communication abilities, adaptability in a dynamic environment, and a robust understanding of engineering principles.

Position Overview

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will lead full project lifecycle (design through commissioning). Provide technical leadership and mentorship to entry and mid-level engineers. Serve as the primary client contact for automation scope. Contribute to standards developments and process improvements. 10+ years’ experience programming industrial controls in food, dairy, or beverage industries preferred.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop control system architecture diagrams
• Design control panels and creating electrical schematics using AutoCAD
• Specify control system components
• Prepare system documentation
• Develop PLC I/O assignments
• Program PLCs using Allen-Bradley Logix platforms (5, 500, 5000)
• Develop HMI/SCADA applications (FactoryTalk, Wonderware, iFix, Ignition)
• Support clients on new and existing systems (remote and on-site)
• Design industrial networks and specify data infrastructure
• Develop custom applications using VB.NET and SQL databases
• Participate in commissioning and startup activities at client sites
• Train client operations and maintenance personnel
• Travel 20–25% within the U.S. depending on projects

*An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related discipline preferred

Experience/Training: 10+ years’ experience programming industrial control systems in food, dairy, or beverage industries preferred.

Technical Skills:

Core Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Ability to work independently and in team environments
• Adaptability in a fast-paced project-based environment

Physical / Working Demands

• The work environment is a professional office environment where a conservative business dress code is in effect. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to type, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Equipment use includes computer, calculator, and telephone.
• Ability to understand both spoken and written directions and good vision required.
• Personal protective equipment required includes protective toed safety shoes and safety glasses with side shields, hardhat.
• Appropriate OSHA and/or Krones Process Group North America safety training(s) are required.
• Maintain a safe working environment and comply with all safety and environmental policies/procedures. Each employee is to place environment, health, and safety requirements as the first priority in the performance of their work duties. An employee is responsible for notifying their immediate supervisor of a violation or deficiency in working conditions and for recommending corrective measures, if possible. Additionally, the employee’s immediate supervisor is to be notified of every injury, illness or near miss.
• Travel using automobile, planes, or other modes of transportation as needed up to 25%.
• Valid Driver’s License required

*The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.