Warehouse Automation Engineer

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers.

With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.

To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.

job purpose:

The Warehouse Automation Engineer will be responsible for leading the technical execution of the automated warehouse systems, providing support on electrical distribution systems, controls upgrades, start-up & commissioning of equipment, automation documentation, and data collection. They will manage, coordinate, and oversee process technology improvements, troubleshoot controls, and engineer design solutions to complex problems. This individual will provide day-to-day technical support on warehouse control systems and control related tasks.

responsibilities:

• Work with the warehouse equipment OEM, Electric 80, operations business partners, and engineering to optimize warehouse automation equipment, including high-density AS/RS and LGVs
• Serve as a subject matter expert for all warehouse automation user interfaces, HMIs, alarm codes, and resets
• Own all WCS integrations with host system (D365), line management system signal exchanges, and reporting tools (e.g., power BI)
• Manage e80 OEM embedded engineers, including a shadowing program their maintenance and service routines for knowledge transfer, establishing a steering committee for improvement projects, and monitoring performance
• Provide recommendations and user influence to our maintenance team to help shape preventative maintenance routines, on-hand spare parts lists, and service scheduling
• Lead training on operation of automated equipment, resetting alarms, troubleshooting, and safety features.
• Manage strategic, technical projects and tasks in an extremely fast-paced environment
• Function as an SME for warehouse controls systems, automation components and infrastructure
• Continuously improve warehouse control systems through Advanced Process Control, Alarm Management, and Operator Interface Optimization
• Responsible for integration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, Servo Drives, and process controls
• Responsible for the standardization of control systems and control logic designs, documentation of operation procedures and as-built drawings and logic
• Serve as plant liaison for new system start-up and commissioning by all outside controls contractors and system integrators to ensure proper transfer of documented PLC program changes and adequate training on the installation/changes that have been completed
• Develop, troubleshoot, Improve and Maintain automation documentation (schematics, functional descriptions, PLC programs, SCADAs, etc.)
• Conduct reviews of application design with site and project teams to ensure that the automation requirements have been adhered to.
• Warehouse automation troubleshooting
• Manage Automation improvement projects
• Mentor/train Instrumentation & Controls Technicians
• Other duties/tasks may be assigned

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Technology preferred
• 8-10 years of manufacturing automation experience required
• Experience with warehouse automation is required. Experience with e80 systems is preferred.
• Additional training as an industrial automation technician preferred
• Ability to understand, modify and upgrade PLC logic (Rockwell platform), VFD’s, network switches
• Ability to update P&ID’s, electrical/mechanical prints (CAD/SolidWorks preferred)
• Skilled in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Ability to analyze and assess training and development needs
• Knowledge of computerized information systems used in quality assurance, maintenance, and ERP applications
• Able to understand and utilize engineering drawings, operating manuals, and blueprints to conduct business
• Able to stand for extended periods of time, lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis, and able to climb ladders and work at elevations of 75 feet
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Knowledge of USDA, State, Federal regulations for a dairy manufacturing facility a plus

working conditions and physical requirements:

• 8-12 hours sitting/standing/walking
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Frequently reaching from floor level to shoulder level done during 8-hour workday
• Exposure to ammonia, acids, caustics, chlorines, paints, particles, oils and lubricants, steam, pneumatics, fumes.
• Operate within an office environment, with some time in an ambient and chilled WH environment.

food safety requirements: 

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required. 

how fairlife nourishes you: 

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work. 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups 

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: Engineering and Reliability Manager, Packaging

travel requirements: Up to 25% through onboarding, then less than 5%

exempt/nonexempt: exempt

base pay range: $120k to $140k

*Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Base pay range:$120,000—$140,000 USD

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email careers@fairlife.com.

For Recruitment Agencies

At fairlife, we manage the majority of our hiring internally through our dedicated Talent Acquisition team, which is actively engaged in direct candidate sourcing. Most of our roles are filled through applications submitted via our careers site or through direct outreach by our team.

As our recruitment is primarily handled in-house, we work only occasionally with external agencies, and only those on our existing, pre-approved vendor list. At this time, we are not reviewing or expanding that list.

Unsolicited resumes or submissions from external agencies not authorized by our Talent Acquisition team will be considered direct candidate applications. As such, fairlife will not assume responsibility for any placement fees associated with these submissions.