Position Summary
This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems that enhance production efficiency, food safety, and product quality. The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial automation within food manufacturing environments and a strong understanding of regulatory compliance and hygienic design principles.
Essential Functions
- Design and execute large-scale, complex automation projects from start to finish. Project design and execution includes but is not limited to: AutoCAD panel layouts, panel build out, PLC programming, HMI screen development, alarm development with server deployment, I/O system verification, and full startup support.
- Responsible for safe operation and code changes for automated systems, including those related to processes that involve hazardous chemicals, environmental and safety.
- Responsible for training and support of automation technicians.
- Troubleshoot automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and robotics tailored for food processing applications.
- Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams to identify automation opportunities and optimize existing processes.
- Ensure all automation solutions comply with food safety regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA) and hygienic design requirements. Understand and adhere to all GMPs.
- Support commissioning and validation of new equipment and automation projects.
- Maintain accurate documentation including electrical schematics, control logic, and system manuals.
- Monitor system performance and implement improvements to reduce downtime and increase throughput.
- Ensure 100 percent accuracy when signing out spare parts and other parts related transactions.
- Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes affecting food automation.
- In the event of power outages or plant start-ups, employees must be able to restore HMI network for the plant and ensure all PLCs are communicating in a prioritized manner. Employees must be able to utilize all PLC programs to assist all departments in start-ups.
- Understand and adhere to all PSM requirements and must be a member of the emergency response team.
- Always comply with all company safety policies to achieve no job-related injuries or lost time accidents.
- Attend and complete required safety and quality training sessions by the assigned deadlines.
Competencies
- Technical Capacity
- Problem Solving/Analysis
- Communication Proficiency
- Computer Proficiency
- Time Management/Initiative
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
This job operates in an office, shop and plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Exposed to extreme temperature variations. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud.
Physical Demands
Please refer to the separate functional job description for this position.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. This position works 9-hour shifts Monday through Friday which includes some holidays. This position is part of an on-call rotation.
Travel
Less than five percent travel expected for this position.
Required Education, Experience & Certifications
Bachelor’s degree and/or 5+ years in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field. Technical degree and/or 10+ years of experience in automation engineering, preferably in food or beverage manufacturing. Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley), HMI development, and SCADA systems. Familiarity with hygienic design standards and food-grade automation components. Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.). Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills. Knowledge of safety and compliance standards such as NFPA 70E, OSHA, and GMP.
Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications
Experience with robotics, vision systems, and automated packaging lines. Knowledge of MES systems, and data analytics for process optimization. Bilingual in English/Spanish.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Minimum age requirement is 18. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid and appropriate state driver’s license prior to employment.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice.
Monday-Friday, 9 Hour shifts
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related field, or a technical degree with significant equivalent experience
- At least 5 years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related field, or at least 10 years of automation engineering experience with a technical degree
- Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming
- Proficiency in HMI development and SCADA systems
- Experience with industrial automation in food or beverage manufacturing
- Familiarity with hygienic design standards and food-grade automation components
- Understanding of industrial networking protocols, including Ethernet/IP and Modbus
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills
- Knowledge of NFPA 70E, OSHA, GMP, and related safety and compliance standards
- Experience with robotics, vision systems, and automated packaging lines
- Knowledge of MES systems and data analytics for process optimization
- Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency
- Minimum age of 18
- Valid or obtainable appropriate state driver's license
What We Do
Valley Queen Cheese Factory is a privately held dairy manufacturer based in Milbank, South Dakota. It processes milk sourced from regional farms into cheese and dairy ingredients, including whey and lactose, supplying national and global food processors and brands. Its products are used in retail and foodservice foods, and the company works with dairy-farm partners while supporting employment and economic opportunity in its rural communities.
