Job Title: Automation & Controls Engineer
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Engineering Manager
FLSA: Exempt
Status: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday
Direct Reports: None
Location: Winter Haven, FL
Who We Are
A multi-national well-established Original Equipment Manufacturer. Our brands have a long-standing and significant presence and brand recognition within their target markets and industries with a strong emphasis on total customer satisfaction.
The Gulftech International family of companies are the world’s recognized leaders in engineering, manufacturing, lease, sale and service of industrial food processing machinery. Our companies serve the largest food production and processing companies across the globe.
Job Summary
The Automation & Controls Engineer is responsible for creation, design, and change management of machine control and safety systems for food processing equipment in a washdown environment. Work includes design of PLC/PCB hardware and software, motor controls, pneumatic controls, vision system, cabling, interlock devices, wiring and networking components. Documentation requirements include creation and maintenance of schematics and compiled code.
Responsibilities
- Designs and assistance in the design of automation processes for producing high yield and high-quality food products, incorporating machinery developed by the company
- Develop design concepts for improving machinery and processes
- Communicates with customers and company staff on Automation issues relating to processes which include product yield, quality, throughput, safety systems, information systems, machinery and process designs
- Develop training plans for the Automation & Controls Engineer technology that is released for Production
- Support customer issues remotely upon request from the A&C Manager
- Find and propose new innovations for the Sales and Management teams
- Help the Sales and Management teams design and implement innovation
- Work closely with the mechanical engineering team on new product development
- Assist in PLC and HMI program standardization
- Assist start-ups of newly installed equipment
- Review automation design packages
- Assist the Engineering Manager with budgeting department expenses for A&C New Product Development related activities
- Assist the Engineering Manager with budgeting hours for A&C New Product Development related activities
- Assist the Supply Chain in electrical component issues
- Suggest and implement machine improvements
- Work with the A&C Manager on all A&C related items
- Follows proper safety procedures and safeguards others’ safety at all times, understanding the obligation to refuse to perform any tasks that are unsafe
- Provides consultation services on process controls and other Automation and Control issues for both domestic and international company directors
- Accept travel assignments both domestic and international to make service calls to both existing and potential customers
- Provides consultation service to customers on Automation and Control issues
- Performs and assists in performing process control evaluations at customer sites
- Assists in designing systems to collect and provide machinery and systems process data files for analysis
- Initiates and assists in commissioning of new controls installations at customer sites
- Perform all other duties and assist with special projects as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Other Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
- Willingness to travel up to 15%
- Food Processing experience is a plus
- 5+ years of programming Programable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interface (HMIs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, variable frequency drive (VFD), and SQL
- Must be detail-oriented, analytical and computer literate with proven leadership skills
- Knowledge and understanding of construction, manufacturing and installation practices/techniques
- Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, short correspondence, technical material, drawings and blueprints
- Ability to write correspondence and technical instructions
- An ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, vendors, and other employees of the company
- Must have strong computer skills (Microsoft Office)
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written and oral instructions
- Ability to deal with problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations
- Valid Driver’s License
- Must have, or be able to obtain, a passport for international travel
Benefits and Compensation
- Medical (PPO & HSA options), dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Retirement - 401k
- Retirement - Profit sharing
- Free Life/AD&D Insurance
- Tuition Assistance
- Company cell phone
*The pay range for this role begins at $90,000+ annually. Salary information is a general guideline only. Actual compensation considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, location, work experience, education, and key skills. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
*The Company is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, race, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation/gender identity), color, religion, national origin, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, family medical history or genetic information, military or veteran status, disability, medical condition, or any other non-merit based factor or status protected by federal, state or local law.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by most people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements. Scheduling flexibility is required to accommodate changing business needs.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience
- At least 5 years of experience programming PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, VFDs, and SQL
- Willingness to travel up to 15%
- Detail-oriented, analytical, computer literate, and able to demonstrate leadership skills
- Knowledge of construction, manufacturing, and installation practices and techniques
- Ability to read and comprehend technical instructions, drawings, and blueprints
- Ability to write correspondence and technical instructions
- Ability to present information effectively to customers, vendors, and employees
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office
- Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions and solve problems involving concrete variables
- Valid driver's license
- Current passport or ability to obtain one for international travel
- Food-processing experience
What We Do
Gulftech Group is the strategic operating platform for a family of brands serving food processing and packaging customers. It owns and operates global manufacturers of industrial components and machinery, with group companies bringing engineering, manufacturing, and technical-service expertise. The group supports long-term growth and operations across an international customer base, providing solutions such as automated food labeling and processing equipment.
