PROCESS AUTOMATION SUPERVISOR
Location
Hybrid in Willmar, MN
Onsite, Hybrid or Fully Remote
Onsite
Status
Full-time
Reports To
SVP, Projects
FLSA Status
Exempt
Management Position
Yes
POSITION OVERVIEW
The position is responsible for leading the Process Automation Department in the development, improvement, and optimization of electrical and automation products and processes. This role will be responsible for planning the department resources and delivering the electrical and automation aspects of projects according to the scope, schedule, budget and specifications set forth in the contract documents and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This position will also be responsible for providing cost estimates, sales support, technical direction based on industry trends and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality, cost efficiency, and performance.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Team Leadership & Management:
- Supervise, train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to a team of process automation engineers, technicians and assemblers.
- Foster a culture of change, teamwork, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Coach automation team and support them in their day-to-day work
- Conduct performance reviews and support professional development initiatives.
- Conduct regular automation team meetings to discuss issues, concerns and opportunities within the team and provide feedback to SVP Projects
- Ensure automation reporting is completed on a weekly basis including “Hours to Completion” and “Automation Systems Design and Review Checklist” for all projects
Automation Engineering & Collaboration:
- Participate in quoting process – attend the introduction meeting, perform technical evaluations, prepare conceptual layouts, cost estimates and presentations
- Attend kick-off meetings for new projects and support the project manager with deliverable schedules and resource allocation
- Oversee the design and development of new products, components, and systems.
- Ensure that designs meet quality, functionality, performance and cost requirements.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to obtain necessary information to complete the automation and electrical scope of work according to the schedule and budget.
- Performs automation and electrical engineering or commissioning tasks as required to support the team in achieving project schedules
Project & Resource Management:
- Support Process Automation Engineer’s in projects by ensuring deadlines, budgets, and resources are effectively allocated.
- Track project progress, prepare reports, and communicate updates to Leadership.
- Maintain master resource plan for the automation team, anticipate and fill future resource needs with a combination of internal and sub-contracted resources
- Works with the SVP Projects to maintain the appropriate staffing levels to support the project and pre-sale workload and maintain the project schedules
- Identify and mitigate potential risks in process automation and electrical processes.
TRAVEL:
- Must be willing to travel 20% of the time.
SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical, automation, computer engineering or similar related degree.
- Must have 10+ years’ experience with similar responsibilities
- Previous experience with Rockwell, Ignition, and Siemens hardware and software required
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
KOVALUES:
- CUSTOMER FOCUS: Our decisions and actions are aligned with client needs, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.
- INTEGRITY & COMPLIANCE: Establishes trust and credibility, ensuring that actions and communications are transparent and ethical. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
- TEAMWORK: Foster collaboration and efficiency, leading to innovative solutions and a supportive work environment.
- HUMILITY & RESPECT: Build a positive culture by valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a respectful workplace.
- ENTREPRENEURIAL: Eliminate bureaucracy and non-value-added processes. Encourage innovation, promote a sense of urgency, and identify and promote our competitive advantage.
BENEFITS SUMMARY:
- Kovalus offers a comprehensive package that includes: Medical (3 plan options), Dental (2 plan options) and Vision plan insurances; 401K (6% company match & fixed company contribution based on seniority); health savings and flexible spending accounts; company provided basic life insurance policy with the option of selecting additional voluntary life insurance for self, spouse or dependents; disability insurances (short-term policy is company paid & long-term is split between company and employee); voluntary insurance plans for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity; business and personal travel insurance; 10 paid holidays; vacation time starting at 3 weeks; 48 hours sick time; employee assistance program; educational assistance program; referral bonus; bereavement leave.
- All benefits are subject to applicable plan and program terms (including eligibility terms) and may be subject to change.
- The Company will consider all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, computer engineering, or a related field
- 10 or more years of experience with similar responsibilities
- Experience with Rockwell hardware and software
- Experience with Ignition hardware and software
- Experience with Siemens hardware and software
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
- Strong communication and teamwork skills for cross-functional collaboration
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
What We Do
Kovalus Separation Solutions develops and supplies integrated separation technologies and process equipment for food and beverage, life-science, and general industrial customers. Its portfolio includes membrane filtration, ion exchange, evaporation, drying, and cheesemaking technologies. The company works with customers from research and development and piloting through large-scale implementation and after-sales service, helping recover valuable products, reduce waste and operating footprints, and improve productivity and costs.
