Description

Company Background:

Alta Forest Products in partnership with Itochu Building Products, is the world's largest producer of wood fence boards, specializing in Western Red Cedar and other premium species found in the Pacific and Inland Northwest forests. In addition to producing fence boards and pallet stock lumber, Alta's zero-wood-waste sawmills produce by-products such as wood chips, sawdust, mulch, and biofuel. Headquartered in centrally located Chehalis, Washington, Alta operates fence board sawmills in four rural communities: Morton, WA; Shelton, WA; Amanda Park, WA; and Naples, ID.

The Role:

In the role of Sawmill Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the smooth functioning of all optimization and automation programs and controls. This will require your expertise in optimizing a wide range of scanning devices, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), software, and related field devices to ensure that the mill operations run efficiently. You will be responsible for identifying and troubleshooting any issues that occur, as well as continuously monitoring the performance of the automation systems to ensure optimal function. Overall, your contributions will be essential in guaranteeing the optimal operation of the sawmill and its continued success.

Responsibilities:

• Calibrates, maintains, troubleshoots, and updates optimization systems across the organization.
• Assists automation engineers with troubleshooting and maintenance of automation systems.
• Assists in the design, development, and implementation of optimization & automated equipment and systems.
• Experience in SQL database systems and related reporting systems is preferred.
• Ensures that safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and always acting in a safe manner.
• Provides strong customer service to mill workers, vendors, and contractors.
• Implements solutions to improve the efficiency of operations through the application of optimization and automation technologies.
• Performs analysis for all projects, including financial, operational, and technical analysis.
• Develops process methods and controls to meet quality standards.
• Develops, writes, implements, submits, and/or presents various technical reports in support of cost reduction and operational efficiency improvements.
• Prepares standard work and training protocol for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of equipment and systems installed.
• Troubleshoots mechanical, electrical, and process issues and provides technical leadership and training to resolve issues.
• Provides vision, leadership, and management of technology resources and projects.
• Leads technology strategic and operational planning to achieve business goals.
• Leads multiple projects, people, priorities, and tasks.
• Develops, maintains, and communicates short, intermediate, and long-term technology plans.
• Maintains and monitors security measures, training, and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

 Qualifications

• Minimum four years of industry experience.
• In-depth knowledge of Optimizers, including related software and field devices, industry-standard computer systems, and related operating systems; basic understanding of IP networking, including IP subnets, VLANs, and IP routing; and ability to comprehend electrical, network, and logic flow diagrams. 
• Knowledge and ability to assist in troubleshooting of PLCs and automation systems.
• Ability to comprehend electrical, network, and logic flow diagrams.
• Capability to communicate both written and verbally effectively, professionally, and concisely.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and computer troubleshooting in both an office and industrial environment.
• Strong electronic communication skills are required.
• Must be able to work effectively independently and in a team.

Work Environment 

This role will operate in a professional office, log yards, and sawmill. While performing the duties of this job, employees will regularly be exposed to machinery and moving mechanical parts. This position will often be exposed to noise, hazards, airborne particulates, and temperature changes in both indoor and outdoor weather conditions.

Position Type/Travel 

This is a full-time position; overtime work may be required as projects or job duties demand. Travel for this position may be required up to 25%. 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to perform this job's essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile.

• This position requires the occasional use of basic hand tools.
• The employee will need to lift or carry 25 pounds or more frequently and may sometimes be required to lift/move up to 100 pounds.
• This position requires standing, sitting, walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping for extended lengths of time. 
• The employee is frequently required to use their hands or fingers to handle, feel, climb, or balance.

Position Type/Travel/Schedule 

This position is an exempt position per FLSA guidelines and not eligible for overtime. A typical schedule requires the ability to work 40 hours a week. Flexibility to work evenings or weekends to accommodate critical goals and objectives may be necessary.

Benefits & Pay

• Starting Pay: $85,500 - $105,000 per year (starting wage dependent on qualifications and experience)
• Semi-Annual Bonus Program
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee and Family Life Insurance
• Paid time off, Vacation, Holiday, Sick Leave
• Employee Referral Program
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Insurance Options, Additional Life, Pet, Illness, and Accident Insurance. 

Alta Forest Products is an equal opportunity employer. It considers all applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, disability, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity. 

Small company, big opportunity! Growing & investing in employees and mills, Alta aims to be an industry leader in product quality and employee experience.