Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Shepherdsville, KY

Long Term Contract w/ Potential for Full Time Hire

The Automation Engineer, will be responsible for providing Automation support, implementing, and maintaining automation control systems for distribution and processing equipment, and supporting projects to introduce additional automation to our clients distribution center. You are the authority for material handling equipment, maintenance, projects, and operations, at KDC. Working daily with peers, supervisors, engineers, and outside resources you will support distribution operations, recognize areas for opportunity, and drive continuous improvement. You will plan and be responsible for the completion of maintenance tasks for all building or material handling equipment. You will also lead projects by collaborating with Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and IT for purchasing and installing new equipment in line with long term strategy. Partnering with contractors, as necessary, you will drive project management in your area of responsibility and provide written and verbal communication such as status reports, change control, validation, progress reports and documentation, to business partners and leadership.

Subject Matter Expert for automation systems at distribution center and support key IT/automation projects and controls projects.

Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, and IT to ensure that new equipment is purchased and installed in line with Manufacturing Systems long term strategy. Ensure alignment with platform and corporate groups (Manufacturing Systems, IT, etc.).

Maintain, and control project budgets, timelines and Capital Requirement plans.

Oversee contractors involved in automation projects, ensuring their work meets quality standards and project requirements. Provide guidance and support as needed to optimize project outcomes.

Lead the project management efforts for automation-driven projects from initiation to completion. This includes defining project scope, developing timelines, allocating resources, and managing risks to ensure successful delivery within established parameters.

Facilitate clear and effective communication between project teams, business partners, and leadership. Regularly provide written status reports, progress updates, and comprehensive documentation to keep stakeholders informed and aligned with project objectives.

This individual will work with system integrators to ensure that appropriate support is available for the site. The Automation Engineer will also assist with planning, coordinating, and executing maintenance tasks for all building or material handling equipment.

The individual will be responsible for scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of conveyors and conveyor control devices. Responsibilities include work order management and parts inventory using Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) or SAP.

The individual will work daily with peers, supervisors, engineers, and outside resources to support operations, recognizing opportunities to drive continuous improvement.

Conduct and document equipment audits to recognize areas for scheduled repair, improvements, upgrades, or equipment obsolescence/replacement.

Adheres to environmental and safety policies, procedures, and supports environmental objectives.

Maintain knowledge of cGMPs, process safety practices and environmental standards.

Automation Activities

Use your skills in project management, systems development, and implementation of automation projects in a pharmaceutical distribution environment, while supporting key IT/Automation projects.

Strong experience and knowledge of automated controls systems in Distribution and computerized warehouse management systems (WMS), temp control, building management systems (BMS), alarms hardware, software, and system upgrades.

Work in Rockwell Automation, Trane Tracer, Honeywell, and Wonderware SCADA platforms, facilitating real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes. Familiarity with Honeywell Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI) for advanced building automation and control solutions.

Skilled in configuring peripheral components with extensive understanding of PLCs, visions systems, robotics, barcode readers, and associated hardware, enabling efficient setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

Skills in project management, systems development, and implementation of automation projects in a pharmaceutical or medical device, or cGMP manufacturing environment.

Act as liaison between distribution center and outside contractors to assist with larger scale electrical control, equipment, or automation projects.

Acts as project leader/core team members by tracking cost, quality and schedule ensuring an effective management of project execution.

Maintenance Activities

Conduct and document equipment audits to recognize areas for scheduled repair, improvements, upgrades, or equipment obsolescence/replacement.

Provide daily SME level maintenance support of planned and unplanned activities.

Lead scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of conveyors and conveyor control devices.

Drive process improvement for work order management and parts inventory using Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) or SAP.

Track contract adherence and take corrective actions as needed.

COMPLIANCE

Lead and design system qualifications and validations, by coordinating with Quality and regulatory groups.

Familiarity with NFPA codes and standards, National Electric Code (NEC) and OSHA 1910 Standards. Capable of understanding electrical and system architecture drawings.

Knowledge of cGMP’s and regulatory compliance, with experience in pharmaceuticals, or medical device, or related industry.

Qualifications

minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technical field is required. Advanced degree preferred.

5 years+ of relevant Automation experience with 5 years+ overall business experience. Experience working in a highly matrixed, global organization is critical for success.

Other skills required:

business acumen and understanding of the equipment maintenance process.

mindset, both internal and external stakeholders

Collaboration skills and able to influence without authority and comprehend unique requirements and challenges.

Sigma and Lean Training

GMP, EHS, NFPA, OSHA and other regulatory standards.

Compliance knowledge

Presentation and well-developed communication skills.

Microsoft Project Management and AutoCAD skills.

problem solving and analytical experience influencing skills.

Project management skills

in English (written and oral)

Brooksource provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, disability, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws