Automation Engineer - Hugoton, KS

Location: On-Site in Hugoton, KS Factory · About the Role · We are establishing a brand‑new dairy manufacturing facility in Hugoton, Kansas, producing processed milk, creamers, and cream cheeses across process, utilities, filling, and packaging operations. This is a greenfield op ...

Job description

Location: On-Site in Hugoton, KS Factory

About the Role

We are establishing a brand‑new dairy manufacturing facility in Hugoton, Kansas, producing processed milk, creamers, and cream cheeses across process, utilities, filling, and packaging operations. This is a greenfield opportunity to help build the automation function from the ground up.

As an Automation Engineer, you will be one of two automation specialists responsible for the site's full automation and controls ecosystem. This is a hands‑on role with significant ownership, focused on fault finding, troubleshooting, and maintaining the reliability of all automation systems. You will program PLCs, manage SCADA and server infrastructure, and ensure stable production operations. You will work closely with a senior automation engineer and collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and global teams.

What You'll Do

Fault Finding & Troubleshooting

• Serve as first‑line response for automation and controls issues across process, utilities, filling, and packaging.
• Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, and SCADA issues on Rockwell Automation platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FactoryTalk View, FactoryTalk Optix).
• Troubleshoot industrial networking issues (Ethernet/IP, TCP/IP, Profinet).
• Resolve issues within virtualization systems (Hyper‑V, VMware ESXi) and Windows Server environments.
• Maintain detailed fault logs, resolutions, and recurring‑issue documentation for continuous improvement.

Hands‑On Automation & Control Systems

• Program, configure, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems on the Rockwell Automation platform.
• Update and optimize control logic for pasteurization, separation, homogenization, batching, filling, CIP/SIP, and utilities.
• Manage system backups, version control (Rockwell AssetCentre), and documentation updates.
• Maintain and support Rockwell Automation infrastructure, including firmware management, licensing, and patching.
• Configure and support industrial network infrastructure.
• Manage virtualization hosts and Windows Server environments for automation applications.

Maintenance of Automation Assets

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on automation assets, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA servers, switches, and virtualization hosts.
• Monitor automation hardware health and escalate end‑of‑life or performance‑degradation concerns.
• Maintain spare parts inventory for critical automation equipment.

Manufacturing Support

• Provide hands‑on support to operations and maintenance teams during production.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Management of Change (MOC) activities.
• Support commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment and lines.
• Ensure all automation changes adhere to site change‑control procedures.

Compliance & Safety

• Support compliance with regulatory and industry standards (FDA, PMO, OSHA, NFPA, 3‑A).
• Maintain safety interlocks, alarms, and emergency‑stop systems.
• Support food‑safety and quality initiatives, including batch control, traceability, and audit readiness.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Identify opportunities to increase system reliability and reduce downtime.
• Support digital‑transformation initiatives, including data historians and MES.
• Collaborate with global engineering and IT teams as needed.
• Continuously build automation and controls expertise through training and hands‑on experience.

About You

Required

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, or related field.
• 0–2 years of experience in automation or controls (internships/co‑ops count).
• Foundational knowledge of PLC and HMI programming, ideally on Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Basic understanding of industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, TCP/IP, Profinet).
• Familiarity with Windows Server systems and virtualization concepts (Hyper‑V, VMware ESXi).
• Ability to read electrical schematics, P&IDs, and automation documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting mindset and a methodical approach to fault resolution.
• Interest in or exposure to food or dairy manufacturing environments.

Preferred

• Experience with Ignition SCADA (Inductive Automation).
• Exposure to MES platforms such as Sepasoft.
• Familiarity with Wonderware/AVEVA or similar historians.
• Experience with Rockwell AssetCentre.
• Knowledge of pasteurization, CIP/SIP automation, or PMO requirements.

Core Competencies

• Self‑starter with strong ownership and initiative.
• Hands‑on, resourceful problem‑solver with strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to food safety and quality.
• Eagerness to learn and develop deep automation expertise.

LI-AM1

LI-Onsite

We understand your resume might not be up to date and recommend that you apply with what you have or your LinkedIn Profile. Flora Food Group is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workplace, we understand that you might not meet all the requirements stated in the description, but we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this role or other roles.

Flora Food Group is an employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and equal opportunities for all. We recruit based only on values, qualifications, performance, skills, behaviours, experience, and knowledge. We ensure job advertisements are free from unintentional bias.

No personal characteristics should be a barrier to joining Flora Food Group. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other personal characteristics.