Automation Engineer

Power your Thirst for More at DrinkPAK, where we revolutionize beverage manufacturing, driven by automation and sustainability. Together, through grit and innovation, we break new ground in record time by acquiring the most advanced technology and attracting the brightest talent. Our explosive growth and journey through uncharted territories offers unique career opportunities enabling passionate individuals to reach their full potential. To support our teams, we offer enriching lifestyle accounts, comprehensive benefits, formal development programs, and an energizing environment. Drive your success at DrinkPAK, where we refresh, hydrate and nourish the world and our employees alike.

LOCATION: The position is based at DrinkPAK's headquarters in Santa Clarita, California.

TEAM: The Automation Engineer will report to the Director of Maintenance and Site Engineering.

POSITION:The Automation Engineer is responsible for the performance, equipment reliability, uptime percentage, design, development, and optimization of complex automation systems, and processes to improve production efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and ensure high-quality outputs.

TYPE: Full Time; Salary / Exempt

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design, develop, and implement automation solutions for production, testing, and quality control systems.

Program, configure, and maintain industrial automation systems (e.g., PLCs, SCADA, DCS, HMI).

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation needs and provide tailored solutions.

Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize automated processes and equipment to improve system reliability.

Perform system upgrades, installations, and regular maintenance on automation equipment.

Develop and maintain system documentation, including user manuals and technical reports.

Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards in all automation systems.

Conduct testing and validation of automation systems to ensure optimal performance.

Continuously monitor system performance and propose improvements for efficiency and cost reduction.

Provide technical support and training to operational teams on automated systems.

Manage complex automation projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.

Work closely with product, operations, and engineering teams to understand requirements and translate them into scalable automation solutions.

Stay up to date with advancements in automation technologies and recommend new tools or practices. Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related technical degree

Proven experience as an Automation Engineer or in a similar role.

Strong knowledge of PLC programming languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text).

Experience with industrial control systems (SCADA, DCS, HMI).

Proficiency in software tools related to automation and control (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).

Familiarity with robotics, machine vision, and sensor technologies is a plus.

Ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex automation issues.

Knowledge of safety protocols and industry standards (e.g., IEC, ISO).

Knowledge of communication protocols and Ethernet/IP.

Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Sophisticated troubleshooting skills with high-speed manufacturing equipment such as AC/DC motors, VFDs, PLCs, servo motors, and PLC I/O modules, HMIs, analog and digital signals.

Knowledge of liquid process systems, blending, inline instrumentation, pumps, valves, flowmeters, tanks, HTST

Knowledge of packaging equipment like, de-palletizer, palletizer, conveyors, filler, packer, pasteurizer

Exhibit knowledge in Lean, Six Sigma, or another management system

Strong interpersonal skills and team orientation; technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Ability to extract, evaluate, and utilize data for process improvement from applicable systems

Willingness to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays

Excellent computer skills

Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstances

Safety, continuous improvement and solutions driven mindset

Bilingual (English & Spanish) is a plus

OUR VALUES

Our company's culture is guided by our shared values of Speed, Intensity, and Purpose. These values are demonstrated in the following ways among our Managers and above:

Speed: Promptly identify and address potential issues or opportunities and be proactive in seeking solutions. Quickly consider the available information and weigh the risks and benefits to avoid unnecessary delays.

Intensity: Embrace a growth mindset and recover from failures quickly, using them as opportunities to learn and improve. Focus on achieving measurable results and delivering value to the organization.

Purpose: Set a positive example by demonstrating a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a commitment to our values. Create an environment where teamwork and collaboration are valued by encouraging cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members. WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Ability to lift approximately 50lbs, stand 10+ hours, push and pull required.

Base Salary Compensation: $130,000 - $150,000