Automation Engineer

Location: On-Site in Hugoton, KS Factory

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.

• 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 (Control Logix, Compact Logix, Factory Talk View, Factory Talk 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.

• 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 Asset Centre), 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Experience with Ignition SCADA (Inductive Automation).
• Exposure to MES platforms such as Sepasoft.
• Familiarity with Wonderware/AVEVA or similar…