Automation Specialist

Founded in 1958, Great Lakes Cheese is the largest packager of natural cheese in the United States. We are proud to offer our retail, foodservice, and co-pack customers with award-winning natural and processed bulk, shredded, and sliced cheeses. At Great Lakes Cheese, we believe in the value of values. We are true partners internally and externally, building on a foundation of respect and putting forth our best at every opportunity. This partnership approach has driven our tremendous growth and earned us awards such as the #8 Top Workplace in Northeast Ohio. Our Employee Stock Ownership Plan makes every employee an owner. GLC Owners are problem solvers - they look for opportunities to help and take action. Our Owners are passionate about their work and eagerly advance their knowledge and capabilities. Most importantly, they act with integrity. At Great Lakes Cheese, we do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. Join our Great Lakes Cheese family and own a piece of the action. Job Overview The Automation Specialist works in activities relating to the automation and control of machinery and systems in the plant. Job Responsibilities • Respond to production requests for immediate attention to production issues and problems. • Monitor, maintain and support plant-wide automation systems. • Update HMIs and computer systems as advised by the IT department. • Support and troubleshoot the Wonderware-based factory management and control system. • Perform maintenance on PLC’s and HMI’s systems including backups of PLC programs. • Assist with MES activities and coordination. • Maintain and troubleshoot electrical/electronic systems and general production line equipment. • Identify problem areas and address with permanent solutions. • Provide input for helping to ensure that line layouts and implementation are efficient and timely. • When assigned, will coordinate plant and contractor activities to ensure timelines are met. • Identify process improvement opportunities and lead approved projects within the plant to attain desired goals • Work with the Maintenance Supervisor to utilize in house resources and coordinate outside contractors as needed for approved projects. • Work with plant personnel to identify savings and justification for projects. • Provide leadership in bringing approved projects to a successful completion. • Work with Production to identify downtime issues and implement permanent solutions. • Gather and examine basic reliability data from floor observations or data base and correlate for analysis using well defined engineering techniques, principles and procedures. • Work with plant personnel to drive root cause and failure analysis to avoid future failures. • Provide production coverage in times of need or when issues arise that require specific expertise. • All GLC employees are expected to perform any assignment or job task according to the stated safety policies and procedures. • All GLC employees are expected to produce our products in a manner that exceeds the quality and value expectation of our customers and consumers by adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices, Policies and Procedures outlined in our Safe Quality Food Program. • Other responsibilities as assigned by the manager. Required Education and Experience • Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school and/or commensurate experience. • 5 years of related experience and/or training or more. • Fundamental understanding of manufacturing processes. • Broad depth of experience and knowledge of production machinery and equipment. • Rockwell PLC hardware and software (ControlLogix, CompactLogix RSLogix). • Ability to write PLC programs and make necessary changes. • Ability to lead/organize multiple projects and resources. • Ability to make sound, independent decisions based on functional expertise and experience. • Ability to manage multiple priorities, trouble shoot and problem solve. Preferred Education and Experience • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field. • 3 years of food manufacturing experience or more • PLC programming, Wonderware MES, InTouch development, RSLogix Working Conditions • Ability to constantly stand/walk; bend/flex/extend neck; frequently grip/reach/lift/pull with L/R hands. • Ability to frequently handle material from floor-to-waist, waist-to-shoulder and pushing/pulling/carrying. • Product weight: up to 50 lbs. • Repetitive work in a fast-paced production environment with average temperature of 50-60 degrees F. • Hair nets, ear plugs/muffs, hardhats, and/or safety glasses may be required. EEOC & Disclaimer Great Lakes Cheese is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Great Lakes Cheese is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.