Company Description

At Jack Link’s, we feed the journey. We take pride in rolling up our sleeves and getting things done together. Fueled by creativity, passion, and a commitment to doing things the right way, we tackle the hard stuff first and focus on real progress, bold moves, and no excuses. We create opportunities, celebrate wins, own our misses, and push forward as a team, knowing our strength comes from supporting one another and having fun along the way. We cultivate a workplace where passion meets purpose and our Team Members are inspired, recognized, and rewarded for their contributions. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and build something meaningful, we want you! 

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Headquartered in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s is strategically positioned with production, distribution, and support centers in key locations throughout North America, Brazil, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. This global network allows Jack Link's to deliver a wide variety of high-quality, great tasting protein snacks to consumers around the world. The company’s portfolio of brands includes Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Wild River®, Golden Island®, Country Fresh Meats®, BiFi®, Peperami® , Mariani and Local Legends Meat Snacks.

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Plant Automation Controls Engineer will provide automation controls leadership and support in the development of plant engineering led solutions for complex consumer product production challenges, i.e., new product introductions or line installations, custom machine solutions for unique packaging or product making needs, or systems analysis leading to throughput and efficiency gains. They will be responsible for technical and functional leadership of the Perry Plant Automation Controls & Electrical Systems. Under limited supervision, they will support plant automation and controls projects across the platform consistent with the strategic direction. This role serves as a key plant subject matter expert and resource for Equipment Controls.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

Duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of:                                                    

Support Plant Operations                                             Develop and implement automation controls to support plant floor strategies, efficiency, productivity improvement, and innovation.Support operational and line efficiency initiatives to meet operating expectations and are completed within authorized budgets and schedule constraints.Perform root cause analysis specific to system controls breakdowns.Strong analytical and proven problem-solving skills and attention to details.Execute and Support Capital Projects                                                                                    Support as an expert, implementation of plant automation control projects.Supports the team with the development and execution of project scope, costs, and schedule from concept through vertical start-up.Collaborate with project teams, and internal/external technical resources to assess opportunities for application of innovative designs, performance improvements, technical advantages, speed to market and capital efficiencies ensuring optimum business value is achieved during capital project activity.Develop and support strategic Electrical Controls/Automation Initiatives                           Help lead, implement & support MES and SCADA.Drives technical solutions by evaluating and recommending new technologies to help reduce/eliminate issues associated with equipment performance.Supports the development of the plant long-range controls capital plan and manage obsolescence.Maintaining a robust disaster recovery plan, including managing source control software (i.e., Asset Centre).        Technical Services Leadership and Support Duties                                            Strong control systems background with experience in servo motion control, stepper motors, tuning and maintaining control systems including motion, safety, vision, and sensor systems.Coaches and mentors Plant Engineers & Maintenance Technicians to build technical capability and leadership behaviors consistent with our stated goals.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education:

Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience2+ years relevant work experience 

Preferred:

Food industry or CPG experience in Electrical Control/Automation.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Project engineering experience including scope definition, cost estimation and tracking.Must have knowledge of processing, packaging & facility systems along with an understanding of manufacturing, engineering, quality, and research functions.Demonstrates project management leadership, problem-solving, decision making, troubleshooting, communications, and interpersonal skills.Familiarity with TPM, Six Sigma, LEAN or other vigorous Continuous Improvement Methodologies preferred.Ability to work with a team and influence diverse groups at various levels and across functions.Job assignments are complex in nature and require excellent planning and technical skills. Must be able to work independently.Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-changing work environment and be a creative thinker.Ability to teach the fundamentals of electrical automation and control systems.Strong knowledge and understanding of the primary codes and safety requirements applicable to controls safety systems, robotics, and power distribution equipment and systems.Demonstrates compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA, City and/or State agencies, etc. for both manufacturing processes and building requirements.Strong ability to utilize application, programming, and integration experience through a variety of hardware/software.Experience in programming PLC’s e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens or Mitsubishi using ladder logic.Strong understanding of low and medium voltage power distribution and associated equipment is preferred.Familiarity with SCADA and its supporting software: Ignition, Kepware, and SQL database managementQualified candidates will be able to present and detail a successful automation project that they have led from concept to completion.Experience with designing and supporting complex ethernet based plant communications such as NAT, Ethernet/IP, and OPC UA.Must be proficient in the use of MS Office applications, including MS Project, Word and Excel.Ability to travel up to 5-10% of the time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or more up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant/office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors. However, the vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled office.

Additional Information

The salary range for this role is $84,000-$105,000 (Annually). Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.